Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad): Self-Help and Treatment

Marshall, Fiona|Cheevers, Peter

ISBN 10: 089793413X / ISBN 13: 9780897934138

Verlag: HUNTER HOUSE, 2003

Beschreibung

KlappentextPopularly known as the winter blues,&#8221 Seasonal Affective Disorder is an often misdiagnosed disorder that is caused by a lack of natural light. It can become so disabling that it affects the sufferer s quality of li.

Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 898973799

Bibliografische Details

• Titel: Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad): Self-Help and Treatment
• Verlag: HUNTER HOUSE
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2003
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN-10: 089793413X
• ISBN-13: 9780897934138
• Einband: Softcover
• Zustand: New

Über diesen Titel

Inhaltsangabe

Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a comprehensive sourcebook for people who suffer from or suspect they might be suffering from SAD, a depression caused by lack of natural light. There are two types of seasonal affective disorder: Sub-syndromal SAD affects an estimated 30 percent of the population. Seasonal changes have an effect on energy levels but mood generally remains unaffected. Full-blown SAD can be far more debilitating. Depression can become so disabling that quality of life is affected and the person finds it difficult to carry out normal activities. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder begin to appear in the fall, reach their peak in the winter and generally subside in the spring. They include: * depression * lack of energy * increased need for sleep * a craving for sweets * weight gain This book helps distinguish the condition from classic depression, chronic fatigue and other illnesses with similar symptoms,explains the alarming physical effects of lack of sunlight, which include a greater risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and even cancer and suggests simple ways to alleviate SAD symptoms. Written in an informal, easy to read style, this book is important for anyone who ever questioned their depression on a cloudy day, or their misery during the winter months.

Reseña del editor

SAD is depression caused by lack of natural light. People who have limited exposure to light, and people who live in northern climates are most likely to suffer from SAD, though many people undergo seasonal variations in mood, energy, appetite and sleep. With SAD, sufferers experience an exaggerated version of these changes. Full-blown SAD can be extremely debilitating; the sufferer finds it difficult to carry out normal activities.

The disease is often undiagnosed because the symptoms are general enough that they can be attributed to a variety of causes. SAD can be treated with or without medicine, depending on the severity. The book describes helpful changes to eating patterns and vitamin and mineral supplements, ways of adapting your lifestyle to take advantage of the daylight, as well as lightbox therapies.

The book distinguishes SAD from classic depression, chronic fatigue, and other illnesses with similar symptoms. It also explains the alarming physical effects of lack of sunlight, which include a greater risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer.

Written in an informal style, with helpful tips and advice, this book is important for anyone who ever questioned their feelings on a cloudy day or during the winter months.