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Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a mood disorder that is caused by the lack of sunlight during winter. Light enters through the eye, then through the optic nerve and through the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN. The SCN regulates the amount of melatonin released from the pineal gland of the brain. With shorter days and further darkness in the winter, melatonin is released which in effect, causes us to feel drowsy. During daylight, the SCN commands the pineal gland to stop releasing melatonin and thus, our bodies are able to stay awake. In certain individuals, their bodies do not react too well to the changes of sunlight and darkness. This is especially prevelant for those who live in the north where there are long winters and short days. Their bodies' biological clocks become out of sync and this results in drowsiness during the day, restlessness, and lack of energy to perform daily activities.
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What does SAD stand for?
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Is effective disorder correct term?
No, you are thinking about an affective disorder, such as a seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
How is melatonin linked to seasonal affective disorder?
Although researchers are not certain what causes seasonal affective disorder,they suspect that it has something to do with the hormone melatonin. excessive melatonin release during winter in people with SAD may account for their.drowsiness or depression
What is reverse seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression most often associated with the lack of daylight. Although seasonal affective disorder is most common when light is low, it may occur in the spring, and it is then often called reverse SAD.
Where online can I find information on seasonal affective disorder?
There are many websites that offer information about Seasonal Affective Disorder. MayoClinic.com and WebMD.com both have information on the disorder also know as SAD.
What is the diseases affecting pineal glands?
Seasonal Affective Disorder
What gland is associated with a menta disorder called seasonal affective disorder?
Pineal Gland
What is it called when emotions reflect the weather?
Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
Are you crazy if your depressed in the winter time?
no, probably seasonal affective disorder
How is seasonal affective disorder treated by doctors?
Like other types of mood disorders, seasonal affective disorder may also respond to medication and psychotherapy.
Is seasonal affective disorder a mental illness?
Seasonal affective disorder, while not an official category of mental illness listed by the American Psychiatric Association, is estimated to affect 10 million Americans, most of whom are women.
Is the weather is Spokane bad for seasonal affective disorder?
Weather in Spokane can become bad for people with seasonal affect disorder. It all really depends on the person and how bad they have the disorder.
