Did You Know... MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

* ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER or (ADHD)
* CONDUCT DISORDER & OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER or (ODD)
* BIPOLAR DISORDER
* ANXIETY DISORDERS
* AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS or (ASD)
* BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER or (BPD)
* SCHIZOPHRENIA
* DEPRESSION
* DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
* POSTNATAL DEPRESSION
* STRESS
* ANOREXIA NERVOSA
* BULIMIA NERVOSA
* AGORAPHOBIA
* ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
* BODY DYSMORPHIA DISORDER or (BDD)
* DEMENTIA
* MUNCHAUSEN’S SYNDROME
* SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER or (SAD)
*SHOCK
* HEALTH BULLETINS
* NYC YOUTH VITAL SIGNS

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER or (SAD) - Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a specific type of depression that affects people at the same time each year - during the autumn and winter seasons. During the spring and summer people with SAD feel well. Experts believe it's related to a lack of daylight exposure, which explains why during the spring, and summer people feel well and when the days get shorter, people start experiencing symptoms.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually start sometime between September and November and almost always spontaneously disappear with the arrival of spring and the longer daylight hours. Many people complain of feeling miserable, lacking in energy, being tired, having low spirits, and feeling depressed. Some find their sleep is disturbed, they eat less or more than usual - and they've no sex drive.

Who's more likely to be affected?

Up to one in 20 people is believed to be affected by SAD, with women three times more likely to be affected than men. Younger people, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 40, is more likely to suffer. Worrying about work, relationships, or money, for example, also make SAD more likely. Because the winter day gets shorter the further north someone goes, SAD is more common in northern countries.

What is the treatment?

Ensure exposure to plenty of daylight. Light boxes provide a regular dose of artificial light each day and help many people. Counseling, exercising, and spending time outdoors can help. Boost mood with rest, relaxation, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. Treatment with antidepressants or the herb St John's Wort relieves symptoms.