Q83217

Prompt: Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression is an affective, or mood disorder. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health during most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer. In many species, activity is diminished during the winter months in response to the reduction in available food and the difficulties of surviving in cold weather. Hibernation is an extreme example, but even species that do not hibernate often exhibit changes in behavior during the winter. It has been argued that SAD is an evolved adaptation in humans that is a variant or remnant of a hibernation response in some remote ancestor. SAD is uncommon, if present at all, in the tropics, but is measurably existing at latitudes of 30 degrees N (or S) and up. Seasonal mood disparities are believed to be related typically to daylight, rather than the assumed temperature. For this reason, SAD is prevalent even in mid-latitude places with mild winters, such as Seattle and Vancouver. People who live in the Arctic district are especially vulnerable due to the effects of polar nights. Prolonged periods of gloomy weather can also intensify SAD. SAD is a severe disorder, occasionally activating dysthymia or clinical depression. A number of treatments exist for SAD. These include light therapies, medication, and cognitive therapy.

References: http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/s/seasonal_affective_disorder.htm

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