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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by criteria on January 24, 2004, at 0:22:45
It seems I have developed this seasonal affective disorder, at the age of 34 without moving location. I live in Scotland. I really don't understand how this could be, or what seasonal affective disorder really is. I had the following ideas.
1. I'm a dependent personality who gave up drugs and became so attuned to his surrounding he couldn't cope with the trauma of losing summer energy.
2. The Winters in the previous four years have been worse than normal for weeks of cloud cover
3. Age and mental instability finally became succeptible to environmental dependancy.
I mean What is S.A.D. really, if it can suddenly develop out of the blue without moving location ? Does anybody suffer this ?
Posted by criteria on January 24, 2004, at 0:29:15
In reply to What is Seasonal affective Disorder ?, posted by criteria on January 24, 2004, at 0:22:45
S.A.D. must surely be a symptom of an aging or stress ravaged brain. These seem to be the only variables that changed which precluded the condition.
Posted by Vera on January 24, 2004, at 13:57:32
In reply to What is Seasonal affective Disorder ?, posted by criteria on January 24, 2004, at 0:22:45
Hi -
Absolutely it's possible to develop SAD without having moved, because it happened to me. Had no idea at first why I would become so depressed beginning in the fall months, would gain weight, etc., but then I heard about SAD, and thought, "That's me!" Shorter days, less sun, cooler temps, etc., are triggers. Is it your age or any of the other factors you mentioned? Possibly to probably, any to all! I believe mine came on as part and parcel to early onset menopause..but I also lived in Illinois where winters are notoriously awful. I now live in southern Nevada, where it is sunny 300+ days of the year...and guess what? No more SAD! Talk to your Dr., as maybe anti-depressants could help you a lot. Good luck to you.
Posted by noa on January 31, 2004, at 13:25:54
In reply to What is Seasonal affective Disorder ?, posted by criteria on January 24, 2004, at 0:22:45
I think it's possible to develop a depression that has the seasonal features but has a cause that can be treated directly, as well as with light therapy. If it is just the light thing, a light box therapy can really help. But you should also have a thorough check of your thyroid and ask about other hormone issues. Please read up about what thyroid tests to ask for and what the results might mean, at:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/newsinfo/l/bltest_values.htm
Posted by Stryker88 on February 2, 2004, at 15:46:56
In reply to Re: What is Seasonal affective Disorder ? » criteria, posted by Vera on January 24, 2004, at 13:57:32
I think I might have S.A.D. I live here in Seattle, WA were the winter months are dark rainy miserable times. I am currently on Effexor, but lately have gone into some down moods, this seems to happent to me every winter and then as soon as the sun appears in spring it is like my eyes all the sudden open. Maybe someone can tell me more about light therapy how much does it cost etc. My doctor appears to know absolutley nothing about this and doesn't do anything but give me a pill.
Posted by micro on February 3, 2004, at 10:46:12
In reply to Re: What is Seasonal affective Disorder ?, posted by Stryker88 on February 2, 2004, at 15:46:56
> I think I might have S.A.D. I live here in Seattle, WA were the winter months are dark rainy miserable times. I am currently on Effexor, but lately have gone into some down moods, this seems to happent to me every winter and then as soon as the sun appears in spring it is like my eyes all the sudden open. Maybe someone can tell me more about light therapy how much does it cost etc. My doctor appears to know absolutley nothing about this and doesn't do anything but give me a pill.
Hello, there is a tremendous amount of literature to support the idea of SAD. GO back to the many links in reference to it and you will find the answers you seek. IN the meantime, Check into Webmd enter Seasonal affective disorders and the links will lead you to reputable full spectrum light therapy manufacturers. Most systems are very affordable in comparison to medication costs. Aerobic exercise also helps immensely]
Webmd just released a short blurb on winter blues which may hook you up as well. Regards. Micro
Posted by noa on February 3, 2004, at 11:27:55
In reply to Re: What is Seasonal affective Disorder ?, posted by micro on February 3, 2004, at 10:46:12
Also, PB tips has a folder on SAD, for which Dr. Bob has placed a link at the top of the main PB page, in the intro paragraph.
("Looking for answers? Feel free to search the archives or to check out Psycho-Babble Tips, listings compiled by Psycho-Babble participants of helpful web pages on various topics, including coping with crisis, children and adolescents, drug and herb interactions , seasonal affective disorder, thyroid and depression, specific medications such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), and venlafaxine (Effexor), and other helpful links.")
The url for the folder is:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-tips/links/S_A_D___or_SAD_000973031504/
This is the end of the thread.
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