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Draft 2.1 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is defined as “a cyclic illness characterized by

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Draft 2.1
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is defined as “a cyclic illness characterized by recurrent episodes of fall/winter depression alternating with periods of spring/summer euthymia (norma l mood) or hypomania (mild elation and behavioral activation)” (2). There has been much research done to support the SAD and to find effective treatments for the annual malady such as bright light therapy. SAD generally occurs in the winter months, beginning around November and ending around March. People with symptoms of SAD differ from regular depressives in that winter depressive; have fewer suicidal tendencies, a less negative mood, fewer signs of dependency and less self-criticism. Symptoms of SAD include overeating, weight gam, …show more content…

The Placebo Affect
There are many theories discussed concerning SAD and the best ways to combat it. The Melatonin Theory, the Phase-Shift theory and the Direct photo-chemical theory. However, what is almost never considered is the placebo theory. SAD is not a new topic. There are many popular media outlets that run ads and question the audience about SAD. Much of the population is self-diagnosing and over worried about their health. Just having patients knowing about SAD puts them in the mindset that they may have SAD. This group of people is not accounted for in any of the research I have come across, and calls the numbers into question. Is everyone tested in the studies actually afflicted by SAD or did they see and add and fall victim to marketing and an over whelming fear for their health. On the other hand the theories previously mentioned do have merit and truly stand on their own. The Melatonin Theory suggests, due to the shorter longer nights of winter melatonin secretion runs rampant. This is where bright light therapy is thought to be most effective. Bright light therapy would emulate the sunlight that is taken in through the eyes and affects the pineal gland to help suppress melatonin secretion (). The problem with this though is that there are now reports that claim melatonin suppression is not necessary to reap the benefits of SAD. Phase-shift theory suggests that light corrects the difference

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