1. Seasonal affective disorder
Mental illness

2. Index What is Seasonal affective disorder Pathophysiology Treatment
History
SAD and Bipolar Disorder
Famous sufferers

3. What is Seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, also known as winter depression is an affective, or mood, disorder. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer. SAD is rare, if existent at all, in the tropics, but is measurably present at latitudes north of 30°N, or south of 30°S.

4. Pathophysiology Related mostly to light
Prevalent even in mid-latitude places with mild winters
Prolonged periods of overcast weather can also exacerbate SAD
can be a serious disorder and may require hospitalization
Symptoms of SAD mimic those of dysthymia or clinical depression, lack energy to get out of bed and do things
lack of serotonin

5. Treatment
Light therapies - dose of 10,000 lux. Many use it for minutes daily.
Medications - SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants ( Prozak, Zoloft, Paxil )
Ionized-air reception - elease of charged particles into the sleep environment

6. History
Winter depression (or winter blues) is a common slump in the mood of Scandinavians. Doctors estimate that about 20% of all Swedes are affected, and it seems to be genetically heritable.[citation needed] It was first described by the 6th century Goth scholar Jordanes in his Getica where he described the inhabitants of Scandza (Scandinavia).[17]
In the United States of America the diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder was first proposed by Norman E. Rosenthal, MD in Rosenthal wondered why he became muggish during the winter after moving from sunny South Africa to New York. He started experimenting increasing exposure to artificial light, and found this made a difference.

7. Famous sufferers Johnny Briggs Rosie O'Donnell Barbara Hambly
Rick Strom
Norman E. Rosenthal
Natalie Imbruglia
Monty Don

8. Thank you for listening!