How to Diagnosis and Treat SAD
If you believe that you are suffering from SAD, you should be watchful for any of these symptoms which intensify during certain times of the year:
- Decreased energy
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorder, most especially excessive sleeping.
- Constant cravings of sugary food and carbohydrates.
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Loss of libido
- Depression
For those diagnosed with SAD, there are certain treatments available. Most doctors would recommend patients to undergo light therapy. This is in fact the first line of treatment for most of the SAD cases.
It is believed that the decrease exposure to light in the winter months leads to SAD. Therefore, in order to counter this, patients sit through light therapy where bright lights are directed at them. This takes 30 to 60 minutes each day. Patients can go on doing other activities like reading or simply relaxing while being exposed to the light. Almost 80 percent of those who have undergone light therapy reported a dramatic improvement on their SAD symptoms.
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