S.A.D pt1
Seasonal Affective disorder is more common in men or women?
Women
True or false- Increasing vitamin D levels can help with S.A.D?
True! This is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight.
True or false- you can only get S.A.D in the winter?
False!
Its common to get S.A.D during winter,
what other season is common to experince S.A.D?
Spring-early summer.
How much light exposure reccomended to help with S.A.D
30-60 min. very helpful if done in early mornings and early afternoon.
What can help with Summer S.A.D
Blackout curtains, In summer- limiting time outside to mornings and early eveings as hottest time of day is 11-2 pm.
Spring- spending time outside, gardening, spring cleaning
What percentage of Americans experince S.A.D?
A. 1-2 %
B. 3-4 %
C. 5-6%
D. 7-8%
C.
Having lower levels of serontonin can increase liklihood of S.A.D
True, seasonal depression in the winter had higher levels of a serotonin transporter protein that removed serotonin than in individuals who did not have seasonal depression.
Why do some people expericence S.A.D in the summer?
heat, sun goes down later, allergies, preasure to have fun,
True or false- the senstivity to light impacts your level of S.A.D symtoms
True, Light enters the body through the pupils of the eyes and travels via nerves to specific points in the brain. The precise mechanisms involved are complex, involving the body’s sleep/wake cycle, hormones and numerous other factors.
What other factors can contribute to S.A.D besides lack of light exposure?
examples- stress of holidays, cold weather, less socialization, stress about upcoming new year
People who live in this climate tend to be affected more by summer S.A.D?
Warmer climates- climates with high humidity
S.A.D was recoginzed as a Mental Health condtion in what year?
1984
What else can be helpful to increasing our happy and mood affecting hormones?
sitting by window to get more sunlight- indoor gardens. yoga, going to the gym, walking around mall. Spending time with friends/loved ones.
What plays a role in S.A.D. symptoms in the summer?
Melatonin, long, hot days worsening sleep quality and leading to depression symptoms. Longer daylight hours, shorter nights, and high temperatures can also cause sleep disruptions