The culprit behind the winter blues Sep 13, 2008
Mental health experts have long recognized that some people are especially prone to seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as SAD. Scientists have suspected that serotonin might be responsible for the mood swings, but they didn't know what biological mechanism might account for a change in serotonin levels. The new research focused on a protein called serotonin transporter, which acts to remove serotonin from the synapses, or communications links between nerve cells. (Globe and Mail)
Ain't No Cure For The Winter Time Blues...Or Is There? Sep 11, 2008
For the first time, scientists have discovered a difference in serotonin transporter levels in the brain in fall/winter versus spring/summer, opening the door towards a better understanding of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the relationship between a persons exposure to light and his mood, and peoples general mood changes from season to season. As the name suggests, serotonin transporter removes serotonin from the brain. (Popular Science)
Fluctuations In Serotonin Transport May Explain Winter Blues Sep 10, 2008
These findings have important implications for understanding seasonal mood change in healthy people, vulnerability to seasonal affective disorders and the relationship of light exposure to mood ... 1, 2007) If you notice that your mood, energy level and motivation take a nosedive each November only to return to normal in April, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). (Science Daily)
Luminous product puts the sky on the ceiling Sep 7, 2008
That's the premise of Sky Factory's cutting-edge Luminous SkyCeilings, virtual skylights that use 6500 Kelvin lighting (which is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder) to create the illusion of a real sky. There's even a programmable model that can display changing colors and patterns - for instance, the rising and setting of the sun. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Brain's Serotonin May Explain Seasonal Mood Changes Sep 4, 2008
TUESDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Fluctuations in the actions of the serotonin transporter, which helps regulate the mood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin, may help explain seasonal affective disorder and related mood changes, researchers say. In places where the weather changes with the seasons, people commonly feel happier and more energetic when the days are bright and sunny and more depressed and fatigued during the dark of winter. (MEDLINEplus)
Brain chemistry winter blues link Sep 3, 2008
Seasonal affective disorder, which can be debilitating, is linked to lack of light exposure on short winter days ... Seasonal affective disorder is linked to lack of energy, fatigue, overeating and a tendancy to sleep longer as well as depressed mood ... The researchers wrote: "These findings have important implications for understanding seasonal mood change in healthy individuals, vulnerability to seasonal affective disorder and the relationship of light exposure to mood. "This offers a... (BBC News -- Health)
Light Therapy Effective for Treatin... Sep 3, 2008
ADHD and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some of those with ADHD are also prone to , including S.A.D., which occurs four times as often among people with ADHD than in the general population. (Suite101.com)
Light Therapy for PMS and PMDD Sep 3, 2008
This is a similar pattern to that of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), which is characterized by a winter depression that lifts during the lighter months of spring and summer. Also, many PMS sufferers manifest circadian rhythm abnormalities similar to those who are depressed. (Suite101.com)
Winter Blues Linked to Low-Sunlight Surge of Brain Protein, Study Suggests Sep 2, 2008
These findings have important implications for understanding seasonal mood change in healthy individuals, vulnerability to seasonal affective disorder, and the relationship of light exposure to mood,'' wrote the authors, led by Nicole Praschak-Rieder and Matthaeus Willeit of Canada's in Toronto. The fluctuations may explain ``lack of energy, fatigue, overeating, and increased duration of sleep during the dark season. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
PET scans help identify mechanism underlying seasonal mood changes Sep 2, 2008
These fluctuations may potentially explain seasonal affective disorder and related mood changes ... "These findings have important implications for understanding seasonal mood change in healthy individuals, vulnerability to seasonal affective disorder and the relationship of light exposure to mood," they conclude. (EurekAlert!)
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Diso... Sep 1, 2008
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder: Introduction to the Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevalence of Winter SAD ... Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder ... Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. (Suite101.com)
Light Therapy for Seasonal Affectiv... Sep 1, 2008
Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder: Light Boxes Are Effective in Treating S.A.D. ... Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder ... Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder. (Suite101.com)
Why I didn't like 'The Dark Knight' Aug 28, 2008
Everyone seemed to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. The lack of sun has made them all nuts. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
How Light Deprivation Causes Depression Aug 8, 2008
Neuronal death may be the mechanism underlying seasonal affective disorder (SAD) ... This neuronal death, which was accompanied in some areas by compromised synaptic connections, may be the mechanism underlying the darkness-related blues of seasonal affective disorder ... It might be parti-cularly relevant to seasonal affective disorder, but we think that it is relevant to depression overall, Aston-Jones says. (Scientific American)
Scientists Test System To Forecast Flash Floods Along Colorado's Front Range Jul 29, 2008
1, 2007) If you notice that your mood, energy level and motivation take a nosedive each November only to return to normal in April, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). "This condition, ... > Number of stories in archives: 44,032 Find with keyword(s): Enter a keyword or phrase to search ScienceDaily's archives for related news topics, the latest news stories, reference articles, science videos, images, and books. Just In: Heat kills more people than tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning... (Science Daily)
Enhance Kitchen Lighting and Ventilation Jul 27, 2008
Studies show that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), evidenced by emotional depression, a drop in physical energy, increased appetite, and need for more sleep, is directly linked to a lack of sufficient daylight. Lighting designers and other housing professionals can help homeowners select a combination of natural and artificial lighting methods that will make kitchens, and the rest of their homes, even more pleasant and functional. (Pekin Times, IL)
Northerners may be prone to diabetes Jul 21, 2008
"It does not surprise me that there is a latitudinal trend in a lot of diseases, including diabetes. The light-dark cycle is very important in synchronizing the circadian or biological clock, and having that disturbed at high latitudes, because of near constant light or near constant dark periods, can increase the risk for disease, such as seasonal affective disorder and sleep disorders.". Exposure of skin to sunlight is the source of up to 95 percent of vitamin D that circulates within the... (Anchorage Daily News)
Why Seniors Need More Natural Light Jul 7, 2008
Studies show that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), evidenced by emotional depression, a drop in physical energy, increased appetite, and need for more sleep, is directly linked to a lack of sufficient daylight. Some researchers conclude that light therapy may help to alleviate SAD symptoms faster than antidepressant drugs. (Pekin Times, IL)
Aches? Pains? Vitamin D May Provide Relief Jun 20, 2008
Lack of vitamin D also has been implicated in the mood disturbances of chronic fatigue syndrome and seasonal affective disorder. According to Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD, editor of Pain Treatment Topics and author of the report, our examination of the research, including 22 clinical investigations of patients with various chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, found that these persons almost always had inadequate levels of vitamin D. When sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, the... (Newsmax)
Boost Your Mood Naturally Jun 14, 2008
Lack of daylight can lead to depression and even seasonal affective disorder, something more common in states that have fewer days of sunshine. Take Fish Oil. (Suite101.com)
Sunlight and Vitamin D Deficiency Jun 6, 2008
It s also common knowledge that people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder often experience marked improvement after receiving full-spectrum light therapy. Until recently, this is about all most people knew about the benefits of sunshine that it was useful for vitamin D production and was helpful for fighting the winter blues. (Suite101.com)
The good news, the bad news Gas is $4 a gallon, but bike sales are up. Gay... May 28, 2008
Seattle and Portland are quietly preparing for a land rush, as millions of Americans begin to panic and start to relocate to where it rains all the time and there seems to be plenty of water and everyone's suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder from all the relentless drizzly grayness in a place where hideous green fleece jackets from REI are considered acceptable public attire. But at least we won't be thirsty. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Winter's not quite here but some are already sick of it May 25, 2008
Winter's cold nights and gloomy days are also the cause of seasonal affective disorder, a mood disorder also known as winter depression ... "The brain is sensitive to the amount of brightness in the sky and when that falls (during winter) you have the release of melatonin. This happens every day with night and day, but there is a seasonal effect too. "If you are predisposed to this problem then the change in light that accompanies the late autumn period sends a signal to the brain which brings... (Sydney Morning Herald)
If someone is as honest as the day is long are they more honest insummer? May 17, 2008
Possibly, but knowledge of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is in its infancy. It is usually associated with the depressive effects of winters in northern Europe. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Studies rarely reveal researchers' links to stent companies May 11, 2008
Vitamin D may also have a role to play in seasonal affective disorder, which is essentially the winter blues. SAD is thought to be caused by reduced exposure to sunlight during winter months. (Globe and Mail)
Faux Skylight Can Boost Worker Moral May 9, 2008
In fact, daylight balanced light is the same light that is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. I'll bet that if every boss in the US installed these in the offices of their employees, productivity and moral would skyrocket. (FOX23 News, NY)
Low Vitamin D Linked to Depression in Older Adults May 7, 2008
Personalize Your Medical News. Wednesday, May 07, 2008. (MedPage Today)
Confusion about fluorescent lighting Apr 6, 2008
Other readers wondered where the push toward energy efficiency will leave full-spectrum incandescent bulbs, which are designed to closely replicate natural daylight and are often touted for people suffering the effects of seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as SAD, a type of depression brought on by the short days and long nights of winter. Possible solutions: CFL manufacturers are bringing bulbs to the market that are both energy efficient and full spectrum, like the BlueMax line from... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Fighting depression Mar 25, 2008
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also called winter depression, SAD is a form of depression that affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of Americans. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Behind the scenes at Chizzle Wizzle Mar 21, 2008
The month of March in Maine is notorious for bad weather, giant mud puddles, deep frost heaves and statewide plagues of seasonal affective disorder. At , however, March is all about Chizzle Wizzle. (Courier Publications, ME)
Self-help for Summer Depression Mar 18, 2008
Summer depression, or reverse seasonal affective disorder, is a seasonal depression occurring during the spring and summer months. Although it is classed as a form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), summer depression is usually only mentioned in passing due to its rareness and the lack of available research. (Suite101.com)
Summer Depression Mar 18, 2008
Understanding Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. This article offers an overview of reverse seasonal affective disorder, the rare summer form of SAD that can signifcantly impact on the lives of sufferers ... The most common type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is often described as , and includes symptoms such as low mood, oversleeping and increased appetite. (Suite101.com)
Winter blues: Color's duality lends itself to mixed emotions, conflicting traits Mar 10, 2008
The condition even has a name - seasonal affective disorder, which as an acronym is just too perfect. Me, I don't really get it. (Missoulian, MT)
Time change may lighten up more than your day Mar 9, 2008
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), she said, is typically suffered with shorter daylight. Penn State research found that about 25 percent of people living in the northern part of the United States have experienced a form of SAD. Symptoms include depression, excessive sleeping and overeating. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Expectations and excessive drinking Mar 5, 2008
Or perhaps it's a simple a case of seasonal affective disorder in reverse: the anticipation of warmth and eagerness for a little disorder. Either way, researchers have had a hard time understanding binge behavior. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Are you ready to spring forward? Mar 4, 2008
The time change also could trigger problems for those with seasonal affective disorder. Often referred to as winter depression, this condition causes sufferers to count on the early morning light to get them going. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Your burden, our business Feb 29, 2008
I don't know if it is because of seasonal affective disorder or what, but lately people are telling me the saddest tales of abusive relationships, heartbreak, out-of-control children, families fighting like vultures over the spoils of the dead, child custody tugs-of-war and general fury over the beastly behavior of those whom they had once loved. I am generally optimistic about bonds once severed being repaired once enough time has elapsed, but in the meantime I have an idea that may accelerate... (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Inside Fitness: Exercise provides mood-boosting results Feb 27, 2008
Even if you don't suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or clinically diagnosed depression, mood changes can affect anyone. Most people (definitely Midwesterners) experience the emotional lift a sunny day can bring. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
Coping with the winter of our discontent Feb 26, 2008
Shorter days and less sunlight trigger an affliction in many people known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But this winter season, with consistently icy temperatures and chronic snowfall seems to be worse than normal. (Forest Republican, WI)
Onslaught of wintery mix getting some people down Feb 24, 2008
Seasonal affective disorder ... If depression is brought on by the seasons, it could be seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It most commonly occurs in the winter and is thought to affect millions of people, Krippner said ... Seasonal affective disorder. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Question: Whether weather affects us Feb 24, 2008
Seasonal affective disorder, from what I understand, is related to lack of light. Summer means light and light lifts the spirits. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Winter blues Feb 22, 2008
Seasonal Affective Disorder can cause mood swings, depression during coldest months ... " With Syracuse so close to the Great Lakes, there is added moisture in the air, resulting in more cloud coverage. Because of the clouds covering the sun, seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a type of depression that affects people in the winter, especially in the Syracuse region. SAD can be a result of sunlight deprivation. People who do not get a lot of sunlight tend to get depressed according to Kelly... (Daily Orange, NY)
Sunny side up Feb 21, 2008
Maybe it's the gray winter days or seasonal affective disorder or psychic damage incurred by the writers strike, but at this point, late in February, anything in a cheery citrus palette makes us feel like dancing. And doing a little shopping for new kitchen gear in springy shades of lime, orange, and lemon. (Boston Globe)
Needs some attention ... Got the winter blues Feb 20, 2008
It sounds like you love getting out in the sun and hate the graying skies (sounds normal to me) or you have a bout of seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. When winter hits, you feel down and cranky; when the sun peeks through during springtime, your mood brightens. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
When the 'blues' just won't go away Feb 19, 2008
While some can attribute their feelings to typical cabin fever or the winter blues, others experience a deeper lethargy and feelings of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) ... Seasonal affective disorder is not its own special diagnosis, but a way to describe people with depression, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, said Natalie Hillman Alsop, Ph. (Forest City Summit, IO)
Winter may be dangerous for some Feb 19, 2008
In addition to these common orthopedic injuries, some people may encounter chest pain from shoveling, frostbite, hypothermia, flu-like illnesses, and increased psychological illnesses, such as seasonal affective disorder. "The cold has caused a lot of illnesses across the broad spectrum," Ahmed said. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Lost in the supermarket Feb 17, 2008
The sun has gone to bed and I must deal with the reality of my phantom seasonal affective disorder. I have just had a couple of brainwaves regarding future rants but as of this week the best I could manage was a trip down to my local Hero supermarket in order to stock up on supplies of biscuits and prophylactics. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
The Counseling Corner - Fighting the winter blues Feb 14, 2008
While experts aren't sure exactly what causes these mid-winter blues, they do have a name for it - Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. Mental health experts think such feelings, when they occur regularly, are a reaction to the reduced amounts of sunlight and activity that most of us face in the winter. There's evidence for that in the fact that S.A.D. occurs more frequently, though not exclusively, in the northern areas of the country. (Missouri Valley Times News, IA)
From the Editor's Desk -- Who needs a groundhog? Feb 14, 2008
Consider me a big believer in Seasonal Affective Disorder. I don t know the science behind it, or even if it is an actual condition, but I do know that winter stinks and is a recipe for grumpiness. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
You, Light Up Your Life Feb 12, 2008
It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder (with the fitting acronym of SAD), and chances are you might have it - or know someone who does. It's believed that SAD is caused by decreased exposure to sunlight and includes symptoms identical to those of major depression from other causes. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Winter wellbeing Feb 12, 2008
In my experience, the more serious, depressive symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad) haven't really been alleviated by using the clock, but it has been easier to get up - and mornings have been a more productive time for me than they were previously. What else does it do. (Guardian Unlimited)
Southern hubby hates the cold Feb 4, 2008
For many native New Englanders, leafing through seed catalogs is enough to help warm the winter, but if you are literally in tears all season, you could have a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder that affects some people during the cold and dark months. A mental-health professional who could suggest treatment should evaluate you. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
'Over Her Dead Body' Feb 1, 2008
Movie Review: 'Over Her Dead Body. Search post-gazette NOW. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Winter Blues May Be Treatable Depression Jan 30, 2008
They are the sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as SAD, a condition tied to both clinical depression and the winter weather ... In 1984, psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal first began to study what was later to be called seasonal affective disorder ... He published "Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: What It Is and How to Overcome It," and in his research hypothesized that SAD was brought about by "a combination of factors including shortened daylight, stress and... (WNBC.com, NY)
Cells' internal clocks revealed Jan 29, 2008
The work could lead to better diagnosis of sleep disorders and conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder ... Some of the remaining volunteers appeared to be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad), a type of winter depression. (BBC News -- Health)
Doctor combats winter blues with needles, light and smells Jan 27, 2008
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP Dark day, dark moods, says one of the many local doctors working on those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. And in the Laurel Highlands region, winter can be devastating for its seemingly unending cold and dark days. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Heagle administers cure for winter blues Jan 26, 2008
For those suffering with seasonal affective disorder, SAD, Dr. Larry Heagle prescribed the antidote: musical medicine, broad smiles and a bit of bawdy prose and poetry at the Heyde Clinic for the Arts last Friday. Sitting in the balcony no places left at all the tables filled with Heagle fans and unfamiliar with this country doctor, I was unprepared for his pleasant medicine that went down without a grimace. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
A journey into the mine Jan 26, 2008
He says Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn't come up much. Why. (Juneau Empire)
Outsmarting Jet-lag Jan 25, 2008
It's a contraption that uses daylight spectrum LED bulbs, not unlike the light therapy boxes used by sufferers of seasonal affective disorder. The difference is that at 5 inches square, the Litebook is portable and therefore can be used to help shift your biological clock quickly, no matter where in the world you are. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Ten Health Tips For Winter Jan 24, 2008
According to The National Organization for Seasonal Affective Disorder (NOSAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of winter depression which affects millions of people every winter, especially during December, January and February. If you think that you may suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), try to get out in the daylight for a while each day. (Suite101.com)
Scott Swerland says he plans to expand Jan 23, 2008
They say tanning is actually beneficial because it provides vitamin D -- potentially counteracting seasonal affective disorder. offers unlimited tanning for a flat $25-a-month fee with unlimited spray tans for $50 a month. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Hypochondriac Blog Cleaning product-induced blisters: 3.Retching incidents: 2. Jan 21, 2008
A bout of extreme rowing with navigationally challenged boyfriend left me yearning for my usual dose of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Imagine the attention you'd get at the GPs if you came down with a double dose of FAD-SAD. Almost worth it. (Sky News)
High risk of heart attack in winters Jan 21, 2008
Health experts also hold the view that Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues) is one of the many negative effects of winter on one's health, specially on those with heart ailments. Loading. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
News in brief Jan 20, 2008
Experts at the University of Cardiff have concluded that factors affecting Seasonal Affective Disorder are worst on the Monday of the last full week of January. Weighty hopes for clothes. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Letters to the editor (1/16/08) Jan 17, 2008
Side effects include: Air pollution would increase slightly in the colder mornings, tape-delayed television would end and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) suffering would be limited to evening shift workers and dedicated barflies. -- Thomas R. Wilson. (Anchorage Daily News)
