CHANGING WITH THE SEASONS

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to seasonal change. To counteract the effects of dwindling winter daylight hours, many SAD sufferers turn to “light therapy.” This form of treatment, which involves exposure to bright light from a light box, helps supplement daylight that is in short supply from November to April. As effective as some SAD sufferers find light therapy to be, research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy that is specially designed to treat people with SAD is more effective at preventing recurrences of melancholy than either light therapy or a combination of the two treatments. The cognitive behavior therapy utilized to achieve this result addresses attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors that contribute to SAD.

P.S. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people ways of changing their thinking styles and their behavioral responses in times of stress or at times when their mood is shifting towards sadness.

ATTENTION DISORDERS

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD) and “attention deficit disorder” (ADD) are conditions that affect one in twenty children. ADHD is a brain condition that leads to a combination of poor attention, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control that can interfere with functioning or development. There are also three types of ADHD. “Hyperactive-impulsive” ADHD gives rise to restlessness and impulsive decisions, but not inattention. “Combined” ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; however, not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive. With this in mind, the third type of ADHD, known as “inattentive” ADHD and also referred to as “attention deficit disorder” (ADD), features forgetfulness, disorganization, and lack of focus. A professional diagnosis makes these important distinctions.

P.S. Adults may also suffer from ADHD or ADD, but they might display different symptoms. For instance, while hyperactive children may be in constant motion, constant restlessness may be a physical sign of hyperactivity in an adult.