Does SAD (seasonal affective disorder) really exist? If so what's the best way to cure it?

Answer 1

Yes.

Sun. They make lamps also with 'natural' light that help. More commonly used is the 'light box' I think.

Answer 2

Yes it does.

A number of treatments exist for SAD. These include light therapies, medication, ionized-air reception and cognitive therapy.
Bright light therapy is a common treatment for SAD.
Treatments using light are the most common, and of these bright light therapies tend to be the treatment of choice.[1] The use of a therapeutic light box is the most effective, leading to an approximately 85 percent success rate[10]. A specially designed light, many times brighter than normal office lighting, is placed near the sufferer. It should provide a dose of 10,000 lux. Many use it for 30-60 minutes daily. The sufferer should remain within sight of the light-box, with their eyes open and unshielded, only occasionally glancing at the light box. The best time to administer light therapy is still a matter of debate. Most patients use the light box in the morning, however discovering the best schedule on an individual basis is essential in reducing symptoms. [11]In fact, some studies have shown dawn simulation to be more effective than bright lights in treating SAD.[12] Light therapy may take several weeks to take full effect though some improvement should be noted within a week. It should be continued until natural daily light exposure becomes sufficient, usually during spring

Answer 3

I have this problem myself. I can tell you what my Dr has told me. If you have this, the best thing to do is surround yourself in a well lit room because the darkness is what causes the "depression" and feeling down. The more you are in a well lit area, the better you will feel. Get active. Don't allow yourself to lay around and sleep or just veg out in front of the TV and computer because that will just add to the feeling of being down. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they help with energy and just make you feel in good spirits. I have been following this advice from my Dr and it has helped. The other thing I've done is to find a hobby that I can do indoors that makes me feel like I'm doing something creative and not letting my mind become idle. These things have really helped and with the aide of one medication (Lexapro) and following these measures, I've felt so much better and actually feel "human" again. I hope this helps. It sure helped me.

Answer 4

A good many people in the greater Seattle area could tell you that S.A.D. certainly does exist. Of those, most treat the disorder with light. They either go to somewhere with more sunshine, or they use a UV light box for an hour a day.

Answer 5

It exists in the extreme northern and southern latitudes where for certain parts of the year (winter) the sun shines for less time than usual. The "cure" is to get a lamp that will produce natural sunlight and to have it on for most of the time you're awake. It seems to help anyway.

Answer 6

I put a light bulb up my **** cause that's the last place the sun would shine. Haha.
Actually I saw a tv show that says to put light bulbs on the back of your knees to eliminate jet lag. Something about a relex action. So maybe that is a good way to not only reset the clock but to stop SAD?

Answer 7

Yes it does. When exposed to sunlight we manufacture more serotonin in our brains. This helps to elevate our mood. In the winter in GB less sun therefore less serotonin. Some individuals are especially sensitive to this drop and basically get winter depression.

Many of the modern antidepressants are called SSRIs, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. They slow the breakdown of serotonin effectively increasing circulating levels we become less depressed and out mood rises.

One of the best ways to treat SAD is to regularly expose the patient to sun lamps during the winter.

Answer 8

SAD does exist i know as I have suffered from this for about 5 years. Doctors say leave the lights on and paint your walls of bright colors. I feel nausea, tired depressed and nothing seems to help me ROLE ON SUMMER

Answer 9

You can buy special lights to sit under that will give the same results as if you were out in the sun, because the light it gives has the full spectrum of the sun. It produces some chemical in your brain that gets deficient with lack of sun light. I know people who say they are quite pleased with the results with that light they got. Good luck. Hope you find some relief !

Answer 10

Yes it really exists!!

The most natural way is light therapy. You sit under a certain light that mimics the sun for an hour a day. But realistically, who has an hour to sit in front of a lamp. I take Lexapro for mine....

Answer 11

yes it does exist. i have been to a doctor and told me i have it. i also have anxiety and panick attacks very bad alot. what sad is. it is another form of anxiety depression panicks. what happins is you dont get enough sunlight in the winter . the sun gives out vitimin c. something you need . doing the winter you need to drink alot more orange juice. anything that has vitimin c in it. you can also go to the doctor and they can give you something for it. mainly the same as if you had anxiety and panick attacks . they are anti anxiety pills. hope this helped