July 16, 2010, Newsletter Issue #238: Winter Blues: Psych-tips, Issue 19

Tip of the Week

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My Tip of the Week: Causes of SAD
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Last week we discussed some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Did you know that as many as 1 in 20 people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? It is thought that the lack of sunlight disrupts the circadian rhythms, the internal biological clock. Geographical differences in the diagnosis of SAD supports the theory that lack of light is the culprit.

SAD becomes more common the further you get from the equator. Research suggests that while about 1% of people in Florida get SAD, it´s closer to 10% in New Hampshire. Many more people have milder versions of SAD, meaning that they experience some symptoms, but not enough for a formal diagnosis.

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My Recommended Site of the Week
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For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder, read this article from Pathfinder.com:

http://www.pathfinder.com/time/interstitials/inter.html


Tara Kuther, Ph.D., is a professor of developmental psychology and freelance writer. Tara is the owner and editor of Growing Up, http://growing-up.8k.com, a free webzine and newsletter about all the forms that growth may take. Subscribe to Growing Up and learn about all the forms growth may take: physical, mental, emotional, developmental, personal, and more. Topics covered include psychology, development, writing, health, and personal growth. Subscribe by sending a blank email to Growingup-subscribe@egroups.com

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