Abstract
This paper describes, analyzes and studies the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) commonly known as Winter Depression.

Tags:seasonal, affective, disorder

Abstract
This paper offers some information of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a depressive condition, seasonal in onset and occurs primarily throughout winter periods. The paper includes a review of the current literature and a proposal for an Australian study. High latitude locations, such as Norway, sport a high prevalence of winter SAD with mid-latitude locations such as China and Japan, experiencing reverse SAD, due to severity of symptoms occurring throughout summer periods rather than winter periods. Such review of the literature leaves methodology for a study within the mid-latitude location of Australia to concentrate upon hypotheses concerning the prevalence of both winter and summer SAD, with a higher prevalence of summer SAD anticipated.

From the Paper
""Seasonal Affective Disorder is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, which has only been formally recognized throughout the last two decades. SAD is a "course specifier" for Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th edition (DSM-IV). This specification denotes that depressive episodes must be present within two consecutive years throughout specific seasons (ie. primarily winter however autumn episodes have been documented) with remission occurring, as long as psychosocial stressors are absent, throughout spring and summer periods (Lam and Levitan, 2000). Besides symptoms typically characteristic of depression such as loss of energy, irritability, fatigue, tendency to oversleep, daytime drowsiness, and social withdrawal; carbohydrate craving and resulting weight gain are atypical symptoms of SAD."

Tags:affective, disorder, prevalence, seasonal

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that schizo affective disorder is a mental illness characterized by a combination of symptoms of thought disorder (schizophrenia component) and mood disorder (manic or depressive component). The writer points out that there may be two subtypes of schizo affective disorder, namely, depressive subtype, characterized by schizophrenic symptoms plus major depressive episodes only, and bipolar subtype, characterized by schizophrenic symptoms accompanied by manic episodes with or without depressive symptoms. This paper gives an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of schizo affective disorder with particular focus on its treatment. The paper also includes information on the environmental factors that may affect people with the disease and whether the illness discriminates on the basis of age, race, or gender.

Outline:
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Does the Illness Discriminate on the Basis of Age, Race, or Gender?
Environmental Factors
Treatment
Effective Measurement Tool/ How Does One Know if the Treatment is working?

From the Paper
"The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is not known but genetics and brain chemistry appear to play a role. Environmental factors may also contribute to its development in people who have inherited a tendency to develop the disorder, and may include viral infection, poor social interactions or highly stressful situations."
"Treatment: Treatment of schizoaffective disorder usually consists of a combination of medications and psychotherapy or counseling. The exact regimen depends on the type and severity of symptoms, and whether the disorder is of depressive or bipolar type. Medications are usually prescribed to alleviate psychotic symptoms, stabilize mood and treat depression, while psychotherapy can help curb distorted thoughts, teach social skills and diminish social isolation."

Tags:diagnosis, symptoms, psychiatric, mood

Abstract
This paper explains that the affective approach to psychotherapy focuses on what goes on inside the individual and how his experience affects his behavior and perspectives of life. The paper then explains that the Adlerian approach to psychotherapy takes into account behavior as governed by the client's lifestyle and manner of dealing with personal problems. The paper contrasts these two approaches by applying them to a specific case. The author expresses a preference for the affective approach.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
The Client and the Client's Problems
Goals
The Process of Therapy
Overall Comment
Preferred Approach
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The treatment of goals in each of these approaches affects its process of therapy as well as perspectives on client treatment. Both approaches take into account of the fact that the presentation of goals is critical for counseling clients. However, the perspectives on goals differ in each case. For example, in Adlerian approach, the client's well being is at the center of the treatment yet at the same time the therapist develops the fictional goal of well-being to bring the client into focus to alter his/her attitudes, thinking and behavior towards life. On the other hand, the affective approach treats goals as responsibilities which must be given or unburdened from the client to resolve his/her problems."

Tags:client-centered, lifestyle, disorientation, family, environment

Abstract
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."

Tags:seasonal, pattern, autumn, winter, months, fatigue, overeating, oversleeping, weight, gain, craving, carbohydrates, interest, reduced, concentration

Abstract
In this essay, the writer discusses that the article by Antion and William explores possible predictive factors which might be used to identify possible cheaters in test taking situations. The study involved 148 psychology students at a community college. The conclusion was that except for a low relationship with anxiety there were no clear predictive factors for this population of students.

From the Paper
"Antion and Michael begin by summarizing a perceived growing problem. Writing in 1983 they cite studies from the 1960's and 1970's indicating that the number of students in high school and college who cheat is rising and that by 1979 studies indicated that 56% of college bound students have cheated on tests. Several factors, which might affect cheating behavior are suggested. These include situational factors such as ..."

Tags:cheating, exams, deception

From the Paper
" The phenomenon of bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that this affliction can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the abundance of people suffering from the it, we are still waiting for definite explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are painfully aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its' victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success."

Tags:biology

Abstract
This paper explains that Norman E. Rosenthal and his colleagues were the first to highlight a pattern of cyclical unipolar depression linked to the changing of the seasons, most often from fall to winter months through to the springtime, specifically November to March. The author points out three causation theories of SAD: (1) Fluxation of hormone levels, (2) neurobiology related to circadian rhythms or the body's internal clock, and (3) a biological and hormonal shift dependent on a person's geographical placement or latitude. The paper relates that, while phototherapy with artificial light is an excellent tool for treating SAD sufferers in the winter months, it has not shown to be nearly as effective as natural light, especially light that is absorbed during the summer months.

From the Paper
"After Meesters modified Rosenthal's definition, it was possible to diagnose correctly many more patients under the umbrella of SAD. Thus, as greater numbers of people were diagnosed, observed trends began to develop. Three trends in particular were noticed early on and continue to prove true today. They included an overall lower rate of SAD in children compared to the general population, an increasing diagnosis rate in adolescents, and a much higher rate in adult females versus males. One study that became instrumental in establishing concrete evidence for the rates in children and adolescents was conducted after the inherent trends were noticed throughout the general population."

Tags:cyclical, depression, circadian, latitude, sunshine

From the Paper
"The American Psychiatric Association indicates of the term Bipolar Disorder (296.6) in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) that:

The essential feature of this disorder is one or more Manic Depressive Episodes. The Bipolar Disorder is subclassified in the fourth digit as either mixed, manic, or depressed, depending on the clinical features of the current episode (or most recent episode if the disorder is currently in partial or full remission). In addition, Bipolar Disorder is subclassified in the fifth digit according to the current state of the disturbance. If the criteria are currently met for a Manic Episode or Major Depressive Episode, the severity of the episode is indicated as either mild, ... "

Abstract
This paper discusses mood disorders in general but focusses on why seasonal changes can affect moods so much more. It describes the symptoms of this disorder and methods of treatment and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between seasonal affective disorder and other causes of mood changes.

From the Paper
''In order to understand how one's mood may change with the changing seasons, one must first understand mood disorders. Each person is liable to experience changes in mood. In fact, people can often experience rapid mood changes, or mood swings, after hearing bad news, after experiencing a tragic event, when affected with premenstrual syndrome, and during puberty (Kronefield). But some mood changes or mood swings are not the result of normal occurrences or of hormones. These changes are sometimes associated with other disorders, such as ADHD and other types of hyperactivity (Kronefield). In other cases, mood changes are due to mood disorders. Mood disorders, or mental illnesses, are caused by chemical changes in the brain, but they are often incubated by ''environmental factors'' (''Mood Disorders''). Mood disorders are treatable due to medication (''Mood Disorders''). Many of those with these types of disorders, however, will also be advised to seek help via counseling. Two of the most common kinds of mood disorders are bipolar disorder and depression, and around 44 million Americans are affected by some kind of mental disorder (''Mood Disorders'').''

Tags:symptoms, professional, hormones