Hardest Season

[maureenho]

Seasonal Affective Disorder and the difference from winter blues

2 December 2014 Last updated at 10:52

It's 30 years since the term seasonal affective disorder (SAD) was first used to describe winter depression. Is it overused today?

In 1984 psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal first used a term that changed the way people thought about winter.

Seasonal affective disorder describes a type of depression with a seasonal pattern, usually occurring during winter. A lack of light is thought to affect the part of the brain that rules sleep, appetite, sex drive, mood and activity levels. Patients experience lethargy and a craving for sugary snacks.

Rosenthal included the term in a paper he co-wrote following a move from the warm climate of Johannesburg in South Africa to the north-eastern US, with its more severe winters.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30282261

[annie]

go90
I shall be using my light box this winter if it continues to be grey and miserable

[JaneJ]

My freind has one and swears by it.

it is such a debilitating thing to have and I'm glad it is recognised but possibly it over used when some are just having a low day. if you have it properly you certainly would know as I'm sure Annie could ates to.
x