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Seasonal
Affective Disorder
(the winter blues)
Also known as SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder
and has a physiological basis. Many people are affected in some
way by the changing seasons, but for most people these changes
do not cause problems. For those who suffer from SAD, sensitivity
to the lack of light in the winter is present.
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Change
in appetite (especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods) |
| • |
Weight
gain |
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Drop
in energy level |
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Reduction
in sex drive |
| • |
Change
in sleep/wake patterns (especially a tendency to oversleep) |
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Reduction
in the quality of sleep |
| • |
Avoidance
of social situations |
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Decreased
concentration |
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Decreased
creativity |
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Irritability |
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Inability to complete tasks |
SAD
is often confused with the "holiday blues" or "Christmas
depression," which arises when loneliness, bad memories,
or psychological issues are in conflict with the joy of the season.
However, the key indicator for SAD is seasonality. Symptoms are
persistent but tend to come and go year after year at approximately
the same time.
back
to "Services Available"
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Mental Health Connections – Utica
1500 Genesee St., Utica NY 13502
Telephone: (315) 735-9501
Fax: (315) 735-9769
Email: mhc-utica@htcorp.net
Mental Health Connections – Rome
252 W. Dominick St., Rome, NY 13440
Telephone: (315) 337-0773
Fax: (315) 337-2158
Email: mhc-rome@htcorp.net
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