Seasonal Affective Disorder

Paper Summary:

This paper begins with a description and definition of the mood disorder known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), explaining that it is a real and serious clinical depression different from the winter blues or winter 'blahs' that many people commonly suffer from during the winter months. The paper examines research on the disorder and discusses its possible causes, the relationship that decreased levels of melatonin and seratonin have regarding the occurrence of SAD, symptoms of SAD and the three main methods for treating the disorder.

Table of Contents
Introduction
What is SAD?
Effect of Melatonin and Serotonin
Symptoms of SAD
Treatments
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The first piece of research work that has really defined SAD, was the paper published in 1984 by Norman Rosenthal, a psychiatrist, which was titled "Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Description of the Syndrome and Preliminary Findings with Light Therapy". In that paper he tried to establish the effectiveness of light in the treatment of SAD. Since then numerous research has been carried out which has determined the use of bright light therapy to treat the disorder."

More papers on Seasonal Affective Disorder:

• Essay # 36247 : "Seasonal Affective Disorder: Winter Depression"
• Essay # 52681 : "Seasonal Affective Disorder"
• Essay # 59468 : "Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: