Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly referred to as winter depression, is a mood disorder some people experience when the seasons change. Sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience symptoms of depressive in the winter. . A mild case of SAD is referred to as subsyndromal SAD and more commonly known as the winter blues. Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder refers to experiencing the symptoms of SAD but in the summer.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is believed to be caused by an imbalance of biochemical in the hypothalamus, as a direct result of the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter. Seasonal mood variations are believed to be related to light, and cloud cover may contribute to the negative effects of SAD, hence the need for an alternative bright light therapy which is medically proven to provide relief to sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
In conclusion the intensity of a typical summer day has on average an estimated 800,000 - 100,000 lux, taking in to consideration standard domestic lighting emits 200 - 500 lux, and diagnosed SAD sufferers are recommended treatments of approximately 2000 - 2500 lux as a minimum dose. With an 85% success rate, relief of primary symptoms can be dramatically reduced from a couple of sessions, making it a very popular choice amongst SAD sufferers.
Tags: SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder
