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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The theory for Seasonal Affective Disorder started in the 1980s — and it continues to be just a theory. However, Alan Schmetzer, M.D., professor emeritus of psychiatry for the Indiana University School of Medicine, said that for him, SAD has proven to be a real disorder. “It has stood the test of time for the last 30 years,” Schmetzer said. As the Earth rotates around the sun, the amount of sunlight decreases — nighttime lengthens and daylight decreases. For people who suffer from SAD, the winter and fall months can be brutal. SAD is a subtype of major depression, Schmetzer said, which means the same symptoms of depression such as social withdrawal and lack of interest still apply. For example, Finland experiences longer winters and 10 percent of the population are estimated to suffer from SAD, while nearly 2 percent of the U.S. population suffers from SAD, Schmetzer said. Schmetzer said it is possible that almost 6 percent of the U.S. population are affected by SAD.
Do you possibly suffer from SAD? Schmetzer offers these tips on how to ward off its side effects:
* Stay on the move. “Stay as physically active as possible,” Schmetzer said. Even just walking can ward off depression, he said.
* See a doctor. If you are experiencing depression, Schmetzer suggests asking a physician about anti-depressants.
* Soak up the sun (or pseudo sunlight). “Be in as much sunlight possible,” Schmetzer said. Schmetzer suggests the alternative of a lamp designed for SAD treatment which is powered for at least 350 watts (5,000 to 10,000 lux) and filtered to remove as much ultraviolet light as possible. Plan to sit within 12 to 15 inches of it for 30 to 60 minutes a day.
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