Individuals who suffer from symptoms of depression during winter months that disappear during summer months may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, according to the National Mental Health Association. The disorder is related to changes in light that occur between summer months and winter months and affects 1/2 million people each winter. Those suffering from the disorder need expert advice to help them learn how to cope, and there are many books that can provide information.
'Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder'
In "Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder," Norman E. Rosenthal, a leading expert in seasonal affective disorder and a member of the National Institute of Mental Health, provides a comprehensive exploration of what the condition is and how it can be treated. Part 1 defines the disorder and describes the symptoms associated with the disorder, including causes and severity. Part 2 discusses and describes available treatments for seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy and psychotherapy. Part 3 explores how a person suffering form the disorder can celebrate the seasons, including ways to live life beyond the symptoms. The book also includes additional resources that sufferers can seek out to learn more.
'Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Self Help and Treatment'
According to Dr. Damien Downing, a seasonal affective disorder expert, in the reviews included with "Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Self Help and Treatment," there is no part of life that the sun does not influence, and humans are not meant to hide indoors. This book builds on that theory by discussing the role that serotonin plays in seasonal mood changes, how food and supplements can ease symptoms, and the effectiveness that medication can play in treatment. The book also explores treatments such as light box therapies and exercise regimens. The book concludes by offering readers additional reading options to better understand the disorder.
'Seasonal Affective Disorder: Practice and Research'
Timo Partonen and Andres Magnusson present a comprehensive view of the current understandings of seasonal affective disorder as well as where research is headed in "Seasonal Affective Disorder: Practice and Research." The book begins by outlining the history of the disorder and then shifts to discussing the clinical aspects of the condition. The clinical analysis describes the symptoms of the disorder and the different treatment options available. The second part explores the research related to seasonal affective disorder that attempts to describe the cause of the disorder as well as current evidence for treatment theories. The authors also include additional references and resources for readers who want to to learn more.
References
- National Mental Health Association: Factsheet: Seasonal Affective Disorder
- "Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder"; Norman E. Rosenthal; 2006
- "Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Self Help and Treatment"; Fiona Marshall and Peter Cheevers; 2003
- "Seasonal Affective Disorder: Practice and Research"; Timo Partonen and Andres Magnusson; 2001
