Before we start exploring Reverse SAD, its causes and cures, why don’t we get to know SAD more thoroughly? An understanding of its symptoms, causes and treatment will prepare us and we will be in a better position to realize the effects and treatments of Reverse SAD.
Firstly let us find out, what is SAD and what are its causal factors?
What causes SAD?
Experts are not sure what causes SAD, but they think it may be caused by a lack of sunlight. Lack of light may upset your sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms. And it may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood.
Ref: http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview
Disrupted Biological Clock
The biological clock, or circadian rhythm, is responsible for regulating the sleep-awake cycle and other physiological processes in the body. The clock functions in response to light. When there is less sunlight in the fall and winter months, or even on cloudy days during other seasons, the biological clock may become disrupted.
Unbalanced Melatonin
Decreased exposure sunlight can disrupt the levels of melatonin in the body, the Mayo Clinic explains. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that helps regulate sleep and mood. If melatonin levels become unbalanced, feelings of depression and tiredness can result. In some cases, melatonin supplements can provide relief of symptoms.
Decreased Serotonin
Similar to other types of depression, seasonal affective disorder may be caused by decreases in the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that regulates mood. The Mayo Clinic explains that serotonin levels respond to light. This means that during colder months when there is less daylight, serotonin levels can decrease, causing tiredness, hopelessness and other depressive symptoms.
Ref: http://www.livestrong.com/article/90425-causes-seasonal-affective-disorder/
If you are not quite sure as to whether you are suffering from SAD or otherwise, just go through the next paragraph and you will feel more confident.
Symptoms:
Spring and summer seasonal affective disorder (summer depression)
Summer-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Increased sex drive
Ref: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195/DSECTION=symptoms
Since we are done with the symptoms and causes, it is time for the treatment. Both therapy and medicines can work wonders. It is for you to find out which will suit you more and to what extent you need to avail them.
Now coming to reverse SAD, research suggests that probably more people suffer from reverse SAD than SAD. So it would be foolish to underestimate it. Rather have a greater understanding of this problem, its causes and possible remedies; it would help you to tackle the situation better.
Regular SAD is being treated with melatonin, which seems to help regulate the internal clock of the body. It seems to help some people. All forms of the illness are treated with anti-depressant drugs. Psychotherapy is helpful, too, if for no other reason than it identifies and studies the cause and effect involved.
It's estimated that one and a half million people suffer from reverse SAD. The numbers are far greater for the more common SAD, and the milder form of SAD, which is probably under reported, could affect far more people than the twenty-five million researchers guesstimate. The slower onset, the milder symptoms, and the faster recovery of the milder cases make it difficult to identify. Many people just get through the "winter blues" without reporting it.
Reverse SAD is best combated with better physical conditions, along with the drugs and therapy. Good sunglasses, worn constantly outdoors, sun block, and even hats to help defray the effect of the sunlight help. It's important that the patients spend as much time as possible in darkened rooms, with air conditioning. Keeping cool as much as possible is important, but bathing is contraindicated when done in bright sunshine.
If you think you might be suffering from reverse SAD, tell your doctor. If you don't get help with identifying it, try cooling down, staying out of the sun, and drinking as much liquid as possible, particularly something with electrolytes to boost the level of potassium. If you find yourself responding well to the changes, approach your doctor again, or find another physician. There are ways to relieve the problem, and to help you begin enjoying summers once again.
Ref: http://voices.yahoo.com/reverse-seasonal-affective-disorder-summertime-blues-615243.html?cat=5
With so many millions affected by reverse SAD i.e. “winter blues” the knowledge for way to recovery is essential. Therapy and drugs play pivotal roles in reverse SAD treatment. There are quite a few natural remedies too. You have already come across some of these cures in the segments above. Would you like to know about the treatments of reverse SAD in details? Just click here.
