[image: Daily News & Analysis] <http://www.dnaindia.com/> http://www.dnaindia.com/ If you’re SAD & you know it, see a doctor! DNA / Nidhi Bhushan / Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:48 IST
*Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health, experience symptoms of depression in winter or, less frequently, during summer, spring or autumn, year after year. Although the incidence of SAD in Bangalore constitutes only a small percentage, because of India’s tropical climate, Dr BR Madhukar, consulting psychiatrist, St Martha’s Hospital tells DNA that a visit to a specialist is advisable if one notices this pattern of seasonal depression.* ** *What is seasonal affective disorder?* Seasonal affective disorder is defined as a mood disorder that occurs in individuals during specific seasons of the year. While in most cases, it increases during the winter months, it has also been observed in the summer months among a few people. A diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder was first proposed in USA, by Norman E Rosenthal, MD, in 1984. Rosenthal wondered why he became sluggish during the winter after moving from sunny South Africa to New York. After conducting a few experiments where he increased his exposure to artificial light, he found that it had made a difference to his mood. SAD is most common among people in European countries, as they are deprived of sunlight for months on end. Even though the recorded incidence of SAD in India is much lower, it does not imply that people here don’t suffer from it. In fact, a few of my patients have displayed symptoms of SAD. *What causes SAD and what are the symptoms?* SAD, in most cases, is a result of a lack of exposure tosunlight. There is a direct link between mood controlling neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin with sunlight. So, when one doesn’t get enough exposure to sunlight, there is a dip in serotonin and melatonin levels, and that causes depression. The most common symptoms of SAD are: lethargy, a feeling of hopelessness, weight gain, depression, loss of energy and excessive sleep. In some cases, people might also display symptoms of mania like elevated moods, agitation, increased sex drive. *When is the right time to consult a doctor?* It is advisable to visit a mental healthcare specialist if one shows any of the above mentioned symptoms in particular seasons. In some cases, the level of depression can make a person suicidal, too. So, consulting a doctor at the earliest is definitely worth it. *What can one do to avoid SAD?* Staying active and healthy are the best ways to keep SAD at bay. I often advise patients with SAD to go out more in the sun and stay energised. People who have long working hours should exercise regularly and eat healthy to avoid SAD. *URL of the article:* http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/interview_if-you-re-sad-and-you-know-it-see-a-doctor_1428406-all * * -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
