The changing of the seasons is usually met with anticipation and excitement for the new weather, upcoming holidays, and the change of pace. However, not everyone reacts to the seasons changing the same way. While some simply do not like the elements of certain seasons, there is actually a medically diagnosed disorder that affects certain people much differently than others. The change of the seasons actually affects their mood and their brain chemistry. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder.Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that affects people usually during the fall and winter seasons. It is a yearly occurrence, usually starting at the middle of fall and does not end until often the beginning of spring or summer. Signs and symptoms of SAD often mimic other types of depression, but they tend to occur at the same time every year. Treatment for SAD often includes light therapy, or phototherapy, which exposes the sufferer to artificial UV light to decrease the symptoms. It can also include the use of medication or traditional psychotherapy. Here are the top ten signs that you may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
