Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:05 AM
posted by Michael Mason

Time for SAD?

As the beautiful fall weather begins to give way to winter chills, about 1 to 2 percent of Americans will find themselves feeling the onset of depression. When depression is correlated to the change of seasons, it's called Season Affective Disorder (SAD). Studies indicate that SAD is more common in women than in men.

How do you spot SAD? Some of the key signs are changes in appetite and sleep. If you're finding it harder to wake up, or finding that you can't resist that second slice, you may be under the effects of SAD. You may wish to consult a mental health professional for a more accurate diagnosis.

The good news about SAD is that is goes away when the weather improves, and it can respond very well to light therapy, where a person spends time under a lamp that simulates sunlight. Antidepressants used to treat SAD work just as effectively as they do on other types of depression.

To learn more about SAD, read "The Lighter Side of Treating SAD"
link to this post

Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee, BA, serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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