What happens if seasonal affective disorder goes untreated?
Left untreated, SAD can fester and grow into a life-threatening substance abuse problem due to self-medicating. Implement lifestyle changes like more exercise and more outdoor activities. If you or someone you know is suicidal, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
What is seasonal affective disorder associated with?
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year—most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. Light therapy and antidepressants can help treat SAD.
Do I have SADS?
Symptoms of SAD irritability. feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness. feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day. sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning.
Does low vitamin D cause seasonal affective disorder?
A new study by the University of Georgia linked low vitamin D levels with greater risk of SAD, or seasonal affective disorder (a type of depression affecting up to 10% of the US population though the fall and winter months).
Who is at risk for seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is diagnosed more often in women than in men. And SAD occurs more frequently in younger adults than in older adults. Factors that may increase your risk of seasonal affective disorder include: Family history.
Can you self diagnose seasonal affective disorder?
Self-testing or self-diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder isn’t advised. Receiving the correct diagnosis is important, because your healthcare provider can help you find the best treatment, which might include prescription medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Do vitamin D pills help with seasonal depression?
Low levels of vitamin D, caused by low dietary intake of the vitamin or not enough exposure to sunshine, have been found in people with SAD. However, it’s unclear whether vitamin D supplementation can help to relieve SAD symptoms. Very little research has been done on dietary supplements other than vitamin D for SAD.