Seasonal Affective Disorder

Popularly known as the "winter blues," Seasonal Affective Disorder is an often misdiagnosed disorder that is caused by a lack of natural light. It can become so disabling that it affects the sufferer's quality of life. This complete sourcebook shows how to cope with and overcome the problem using a variety of strategies. Written in an easy, informal style, this book is important for anyone overly affected by a cloudy day or the long winter months.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression, is a mood disorder related to the change in the seasons and lack of exposure to daylight. It affects 1 in 100 adults in western countries. SAD is a rare example of a psychiatric disorder with a clear, identifiable biological cause. The new edition of this award winning book brings together distinguished scientists and opinion leaders to discuss the current and anticipated developments in the study and care of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Highlighting the clinical diagnosis and management of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this book provides a valuable resource for all whom are involved in the health care for patients with SAD. This book deals with the range of therapeutic measures that are available for the treatment of SAD. In addition, this book elucidates potential areas of research that have emerged such as the study of the circadian pacemaker and the night-time sleep structure and their interaction that influences mood.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects a significant number of individuals, with an even greater percentage of population suffering from a milder version of the "winter blues." Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has long been recognized as an effective treatment for depression and now there is evidence that CBT can also benefit those with SAD. The group program outlined in this therapist guide tailors CBT for depression to the special needs of the SAD population. It can be easily adapted for use in individual therapy, as well as be combined with light therapy. This therapist guide details twelve sessions to be completed over a six-week period. It gives step-by-step instruction for session activities and discussion. SAD-specific examples, sample dialogues, and diagrams help illustrate the points to be covered. Participants are provided with psychoeducation to further their understanding and awareness of SAD. They learn techniques to reduce symptoms, such as pleasant activity scheduling and cognitive restructuring. By increasing the amount of pleasant activities and changing thoughts and beliefs to be more adaptive, participants reverse the downward spiral of inactivity, negative thoughts and beliefs, and depressed mood. Relapse prevention helps participants maintain their gains and prepare for future winter seasons. With proven CBT techniques and a strong focus on SAD, this guide is a valuable addition to the clinician's toolbox. A chapter on group logistics and an appendix with fidelity checklists will assist clinicians in successfully implementing the program. Home practice is an important part of the program and the corresponding workbook includes forms for each session. TreatmentsThatWorkTM represents the gold standard of behavioral healthcare interventions! · All programs have been rigorously tested in clinical trials and are backed by years of research · A prestigious scientific advisory board, led by series Editor-In-Chief David H. Barlow, reviews and evaluates each intervention to ensure that it meets the highest standard of evidence so you can be confident that you are using the most effective treatment available to date · Our books are reliable and effective and make it easy for you to provide your clients with the best care available · Our corresponding workbooks contain psychoeducational information, forms and worksheets, and homework assignments to keep clients engaged and motivated · A companion website (www.oup.com/us/ttw) offers downloadable clinical tools and helpful resources · Continuing Education (CE) Credits are now available on select titles in collaboration with PsychoEducational Resources, Inc. (PER)

In 1984, Dr. Norman Rosenthal and his colleagues published a seminal research paper on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), unveiling what they were convinced was the healing power of light therapy for people suffering from the illness. Since then, many scientific and medical communities have come to believe that the therapeutic use of light holds great promise for not only SAD, but also a variety of other disorders. This wide-ranging book combines in a single, cohesive reference new, up-to-the-minute findings with a complete summary of the available literature on light therapy. Seventeen contributors, leading clinicians studying the effects and uses of light treatment, discuss the impact of light and light therapy on such conditions as SAD, premenstrual depression, circadian phase sleep disorders, jet lag, shift work disorders, insomnia, and behavioral disturbances. Challenging conventional thinking about light therapy, several contributing authors make convincing cases for its positive effects in treating nonseasonal depression, bulimia nervosa, and other illnesses. Finally, members of a joint task force of the Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms and the American Sleep Disorders Association explore the use of light for treating sleep disorders, as well as a combination of light and melatonin in some cases. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond is an invaluable reference tool for clinicians, researchers, scientists, students, and consumers who want the latest information and opinion about the therapeutic uses of light compiled in one succinct, comprehensive volume.

Seasonal affective disorder: what it is and how to overcome it.

If you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), take heart. A range of effective treatments and preventive measures can help you feel healthy and productive, even on the darkest days. Yet when depression kicks in, it's tough to mobilize yourself to find and use the information you need to feel better. That's where this skillfully crafted workbook comes in. Leading SAD expert Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal guides you step by step to: *Record your symptoms, such as low moods, fatigue, sleep problems, and food cravings. *Gain awareness of your seasonal patterns--to anticipate problems before they arise. *Determine which remedies to try, including light therapy, meditation, lifestyle changes, antidepressants, and psychotherapy. *Keep track of what works and how long it takes for symptoms to improve. *Spend your high-energy months equipping yourself for the times when energy is low. By working through the book's simple checklists and fill-in-the-blank forms (you can download and print additional copies as needed), you'll create your own blueprint for greater well-being all year long. Let there be light! See also Dr. Rosenthal's Winter Blues, Fourth Edition, which provides a comprehensive overview of SAD and its treatment.