Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Research Paper

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Research Paper

Depression has many types. Each one has its own characteristics, symptoms and can affect each person in a different manner. However, depression has one thing in common.

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It affects the lives of not only the person affected, but also the people around that person. As there are many types of depression, it is categorized into many. One of these types of depression is Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

SAD is a kind of depression that occurs during a particular time of the year. The most common time of the year for people to be affected with this disorder is during fall.

These feelings of depression will continue through winter and affect a person’s mood and lifestyle. SAD mainly affects females and that in females who live far from the equator and experience fewer hours of day time during the winter months.

The cause of seasonal affective disorder is unclear. However, it is believed it occurs due to the lack of sunlight in a person’s life. This does not mean every person who lives in areas where there is fewer hours of sunlight are affected with this disorder. It only increases the risk.

It is believed the lack of sunlight affects the biological clock that controls sleep and wakefulness. Seasonal affective disorder also may occur due to a drop in serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in mood changes. The change in seasons also affects the melatonin levels, and this affects sleep and mood too.

A person with SAD may experience mild symptoms at its onset, which is at the start of autumn. However, these symptoms might become more pronounced as it gets closer to winter. Then, they will fade away with the coming of spring.

The symptoms of SAD are similar to that of normal depression symptoms. For example, a person affected with SAD might feel irritable, guilt, worthlessness, stressed, anxious, loss of sex drive, be inactive, lethargic and highly distracted. These people may also crave more carbohydrates and, as a result, put on weight.

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder should not be ignored. They need to be assessed by a doctor. It is not easy diagnosing SAD and differentiating it with any other type of depression.

However, if a person is depressed only during a particular time of year and has some of un………………