Posted by Run_Wild on February 25, 2005, at 12:06:24
In reply to Re: Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder, posted by sunny10 on February 25, 2005, at 11:50:18
> wow, I never heard of that one...
>
> What kinds of dread do you have in the summer?Thanks for your question. To help you understand Summer SAD a bit, here are some excerpts from the article I'm working on.
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Most people have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and associate it with the dark and gloomy, shortened days of winter. Few people realize, however, that there are actually two types of SAD. While Winter SAD affects a little over five percent of the general population, Summer SAD, on the other hand, affects far fewer and is less known.Seasonal Affective Disorder is a cyclical mood condition that results in periods of depression during specific seasons year after year. When the season ends, the signs and symptoms of the condition disappear. Although there is no cure for Summer SAD, there are ways patients can help themselves feel better and get through summer season.
In addition to a mild to moderate depression, the symptoms for Summer SAD include anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Some researchers believe that summer heat affects sleep patterns which then leads to anxiety and irritability. Summer SAD sufferers point to a variety of triggers. For many, increased sunlight is secondary to heat and humidity. Most Summer SADs are in agreement that both increased sunlight and temperature are factors, but they differ on the weight of each of the factors in relation to their own symptoms.
Although Summer SAD patients can close window curtains and lower air conditioning thermostats to help themselves feel better, it is difficult for them to control their environment to reduce their depression. The main difference between Winter SADS and Summer SADs in this aspect is that Winter SADs experience relief with 30 minutes of light therapy while Summer SADs need to alter their environment all throughout the day.
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Although I hate sunshine any time of the year, summer heat increases that feeling. For me, summer means irritability and insomnia. I run very early in the morning to beat the heat and the sun; exercise helps reduce stress. I've noticed an improvement if I reduce my carb intake because eating carbs seems to increase my internal body temperature. I also improved once I started taking thyroid medication because it helps me regulate my body temp and decrease my irritability. Sometimes I close the blinds and play Christmas music to try and set a Winter theme. ;-)
poster:Run_Wild
thread:463148
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050224/msgs/463161.html