Seasonal Affective Disorder and Treatment Regimen

Seasonal Affective Disorder(S.A.D.) is a mood disorder which plagues many people. The onset of this problem usually becomes evident when the days become shorter in the Fall. Symptoms are very similar to those associated with chronic or acute Depession such as irritability, dysphoria, hopelessness and despair. People suffering from this disorder often exhibit these symtoms on an annual basis when light is less frequent and less direct due to the Autumnal Equinox when the earth is receiving less intense and less direct affects from the sun. Treatments include light therapy as well as changing habits such as arising from sleep earlier in the day and going to sleep earlier each night. In addition, increasing one's level of exercise is helpful.

Light therapy boxes provide very similar light that the sun provides. I treat SAD clients with this device in the office and have assisted many clients to free themselves from this annual event. Often times clients may not be aware that their signs of depression are related to light deprivation and occur each year around the same time of the year. Light therapy is safe and is highly effective. Appointments for this therapy run from 15-30 mins. and can be conducted in the office as often as 3 days per week. Give me a call or speak with me about this very effective and inexpensive option for treatment.