Psych - Sad - Apa Format
Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder? A SAD Cycle
Abstract
With the beginning of fall and winter, come colder weather, shorter days and for many people a significant decline in temperament. Complaints of feeling largely blue and less energetic than usual are common. Some are able to overcome these “winter blues”, or sometimes known as “cabin fever”, and successfully carry out their normal day-to-day duties. However, for those whose symptoms are more numerous and more severe, the outcome can be incapacitating. These extreme mood variations include “feeling down all the time, experiencing low energy, problems with sleep and appetite, and reduced concentration to the point where some have difficulty functioning at work or in the home” (ncpamd). The occurrence of these symptoms is not simply coincidental; studies have proven that they correspond to a sort of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder? A SAD Cycle
Introduction
During the winter, many of us suffer from “the winter blues”, a less severe form of seasonal depression than SAD. In general, many people suffer from some form of depression during the wintertime. We may feel more tired and sad at times. We may even gain weight or have trouble getting out of bed. We may be lethargic or uncaring about normal day-to-day responsibilities. Over 10 million people in America, however, may feel a more extreme form of these symptoms (Psychiatric Times). They may constantly feel more depressed to an extent that social and work related activities are harmfully affected. This more extreme form of the “winter blues” is SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Symptoms
Typical SAD symptoms includes sugar cravings, lethargy, depression, weight gain and a greater need for sleep or even insomnia (ncpamd). Many may experience mood changes, less concentration, hopelessness, tension and inability to tolerate stress, lack of pleasure, and loss of
Abstract
With the beginning of fall and winter, come colder weather, shorter days and for many people a significant decline in temperament. Complaints of feeling largely blue and less energetic than usual are common. Some are able to overcome these “winter blues”, or sometimes known as “cabin fever”, and successfully carry out their normal day-to-day duties. However, for those whose symptoms are more numerous and more severe, the outcome can be incapacitating. These extreme mood variations include “feeling down all the time, experiencing low energy, problems with sleep and appetite, and reduced concentration to the point where some have difficulty functioning at work or in the home” (ncpamd). The occurrence of these symptoms is not simply coincidental; studies have proven that they correspond to a sort of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder? A SAD Cycle
Introduction
During the winter, many of us suffer from “the winter blues”, a less severe form of seasonal depression than SAD. In general, many people suffer from some form of depression during the wintertime. We may feel more tired and sad at times. We may even gain weight or have trouble getting out of bed. We may be lethargic or uncaring about normal day-to-day responsibilities. Over 10 million people in America, however, may feel a more extreme form of these symptoms (Psychiatric Times). They may constantly feel more depressed to an extent that social and work related activities are harmfully affected. This more extreme form of the “winter blues” is SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Symptoms
Typical SAD symptoms includes sugar cravings, lethargy, depression, weight gain and a greater need for sleep or even insomnia (ncpamd). Many may experience mood changes, less concentration, hopelessness, tension and inability to tolerate stress, lack of pleasure, and loss of
References: About the Winter Blues. (2003). Retrieved from Psych Central: http://psychcentral.com Light Therapies for Depression. (2012). Retrieved from Psyce Education: http://www.psycheducation.org SAD. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com Seasonal Affective Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from Northern County Psyciatric Associates: www.ncpamd.com Seasonal Affective Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mental Health: www.mentalhealth.com Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). (2002). Retrieved from Mental Health America: http://www.nmha.org Seasonal Affective Disorder. (2004). Retrieved from National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org Shed Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder. (1994). Retrieved from Psychiatric Times: www.psychiatrictimes.com