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Toms River, NJ ----- Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is impacted
by the seasons of the year. The most common type of SAD is
called winter depression.
According to Sirajuddin Ismail, MD, Psychiatrist and Medical Director
of the Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center, SAD is much more
than just the winter blahs. “Many people may tend to
eat or sleep more when the temperature drops and the days get shorter,
but Seasonal Affective Disorder is much more than that. It
is a depressive disorder,” he explains.
Approximately 14 million people suffer from SAD. “The
shorter days and longer nights induce feelings of depression, lethargy,
fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, sleep problems and
irritability,” says Dr. Ismail. “These symptoms
begin to appear between September and November and continue through
March or even April,” he explains.
The exact causes are unknown, but it appears as though heredity,
age and your body’s chemical makeup all play an important
role. Dr. Ismail states that SAD may be related to the amount
of daylight a person receives during different seasons of the year. “Light
therapy is the most successful treatment for this condition,” he
explains.
Light therapy is easy to administer and has few side effects. A
specially made light box is used which administers artificial light
for about 30 minutes each day, through the fall and winter. “Over
70 percent of patients experience a significant reduction in their
symptoms with the use of this therapy.” Antidepressants
and pharmacotherapy may also be prescribed by a physician if necessary.
Dr. Ismail suggests the following in coping with SAD:
- Increase
the amount of light in your home during the winter months
- Go outside
on sunny days
- Exercise
regularly to relieve stress and anxiety
If you do believe you are suffering from SAD and need further
assistance, please speak to your physician, or call the Saint Barnabas
Behavioral Health Center to schedule an assessment.
For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder or for
information about the Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center,
please call the Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center 24-hour
Access Center at 1-800-300-0628.
Date: January 28, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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