Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of the year, most commonly during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It is thought to be linked to changes in sunlight exposure, which affect the body’s internal clock, serotonin levels, and melatonin regulation.
SAD Overview
Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Causes
- Reduced sunlight exposure
- changes in biological rhythms
Symptoms
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances (such as oversleeping)
- Weight gain
- Social withdrawal
- People with SAD may find it difficult to get out of bed or complete daily tasks, and their symptoms often resolve in the spring or summer.
Risk Factors
Can SAD be prevented?
Treatment for SAD often includes:
- Light therapy: Individuals are exposed to a special light that mimics natural sunlight. This has been shown to help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): is also effective in treating SAD by addressing negative thought patterns and encouraging behavioural changes
- Antidepressant medications: may be prescribed, particularly SSRIs, to help manage depressive symptoms
Preventive, Trusted, and Affordable Healthcare for All
It is extremely crucial to your cognitive, emotional, and physical health to have quality sleep. We offer affordable CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia), sleep consultation and a complete lifestyle approach to your care. Whether you have trouble sleeping some of the time, or you experience constant tiredness, we would like to see you sleep better, live better, and stay well, all at an affordable price with the same compassion and professionalism.
Featured Articles
Chequers Health Group are awarded Care Quality Commission (CQC) Accreditation
We are delighted to announce that Chequers Health Group successfully secured CQC accreditation 27th October 2020. Chequers is now accredited to provide the [...]
Chequers Health Group approved to access electronic NHS patient records
Chequers Health Group was granted approval on 30th March 2021 to access electronic patient records. The system went live on the 1st June [...]
Chequers Health Group announce New Partnerships
Chequers Health Group are pleased to announce that we are working in partnership with PDS medical, part of the FCMS (NW) ltd [...]
Chequers Health Group have been awarded GOOD rating by CQC
We are pleased to announce that our service has been rated 'good' overall following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) [...]
Stay Connected with Chequers Health Group
Join our community and be the first to know about updates and receive insights into how Chequers Health Group continues to provide exceptional and affordable healthcare services.
