Product Description
Examines the pros and cons of light therapy

An accessible approach to stopping SAD thoughts and looking at the brighter side of life

Do you suffer from wintertime woes? You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious but treatable condition. This friendly guide helps you identify symptoms, talk to your doctor, and get an accurate diagnosis. You get the latest on the various drug and non-drug treatment options as well as tips for dismantling SAD thinking and feeling better through lifestyle changes.


* Stop SAD before it starts
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Monitor your triggers and symptoms
*

Assess alternative therapies
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Reduce your stress and anxiety
*

Survive a SAD relapse ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

DUMMIES SAD
PROMPT DELIVERY
LONG AND DRAWN OUT
DOES EXPLAIN SAD
CAN GET SAME INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET
PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS NOT CURRENT

Will Make You See the Light
No need for a long review here. This is a great book on seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. It's written in the typical "For Dummies" format: uses layman's terms, icons througout the book to alert you to key points, organized in an easy-to-follow manner (i.e. paragraphs/ideas broken up in the chapters for easier "digestion" of the info).

Also typical of the "Dummies" books is the completeness. You'll learn the symptoms of SAD, if you have it, and what you can do about it. Some treatments covered in the book include:

-light therapy
-cognitive therapy
-exercise
-how to get better sleep
-changing your diet
-medications

As you can see, the book covers a lot of ground and most will no doubt learn a lot- I know I did. For instance, I found out that, according to the book page 222, that exercise and light therapy work EQUALLY well in treating SAD (see Exercise Beats Depression for a more detailed program if that's your thing). Anyway, I say get it if you you want a good, general knowledge of SAD, and to find out what all your options are. Its a great resource!

Excellent book
While some may be put off by the "For Dummies" series title, I have found most to be excellent starting points. Seasonal Affective Disorder for Dummies by Laura Smith and Charles Elliot is where I would suggest you begin if you have questions or interest in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It references up to date research in a practical, readable manner. It is very well organized and written.

While there is a very good chapter on Light Therapy, what I appreciate most is that most of the book addresses other interventions. What is known to date, is that effective treatments for depression are effective treatments for SAD. Another thing I like is how the authors give examples of negative thoughts in various chapters, followed by healthier thinking. Many will see their own negative thoughts and then see how they can begin to change it to healthier thinking.

If SAD is an issue for you, I highly recommend Seasonal Affective Disorder for Dummies.

Mike Miller, PhD
[...]

Good way to bone up on a real disease
Concise yet detailed account of symptoms (craving carbs at night!) and treatment modalities of SAD.Lots of drug-free approaches, don't worry.

Excellent introduction to SAD
This is a tremendously helpful book for anyone who is looking for relief from winter's short days.The authors describe how to identify the signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and suggest treatment options, including drug and non-drug approaches as well as practical coping strategies.It's written in a reassuring style that's easy to read and understand. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Smyth discusses treatment methods for SAD, or winter depression, used in clinics and describes how increased exposure to light helps sufferers experience a major mood change and energy rise. ... Read more

Product Description
Completely updating and expanding his immensely popular guide, Norman E.Rosenthal has written a veritable survival kit for anyone who suffers from the winter blues. Thisauthoritative and engaging book presents the very latest information on the many dimensions ofSAD, including the newly recognized distinctions between various degrees of the disorder, from"winter blues" to full-blown SAD. The book features revised chapters on antidepressantmedications and light therapy, a new chapter on coping with SAD all year round, details on St.John's wort and on a helpful nutritional regimen, a self-test to help readers evaluate their ownlevel of SAD, and a list of SAD resources. Also discussed is the use of light therapy in treatingproblems whose symptoms mirror those of SAD, including jet lag, sleep disorders, premenstrualsyndrome, and the effects of shift work. A concluding chapter illustrates how those with SADcan enjoy even the darkest of seasons.Amazon.com Review
When days get shorter and colder, do you get gloomier? Do youhave trouble waking up? Controlling your diet? Focusing on work andrelationships? If so, you may be one of the millions of people whosuffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD): changes in mood andbehavior due to seasonal changes, such as feeling depressed inwinter. Rosenthal, senior researcher at the National Institutes ofHealth and clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University,led the team that first described SAD. Now in his revised and updatedWinter Blues, he describes SAD and how to overcome it. The bookincludes a self-diagnosis to see how severely seasonal changes affectyou (or your child).

Rosenthal, author of St. John's Wort: TheHerbal Way to Feeling Good, brings SAD to life with profiles ofseasonal-slump sufferers. All of these people experienced dramaticimprovement with light therapy--exposure to a special light box for 30to 90 minutes a day. Winter Blues tells you everything you needto know about light boxes and other treatments, such as psychotherapy,antidepressant medications, herbs, vitamins, and the role of diet andexercise. Rosenthal includes many helpful extras, such as tips fordealing with the holidays and a sample letter requesting insurancereimbursement for a light box. --Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

excellent resource
Easy read with valuable information. Author writes like a novelist, I could not put the book down.

Excellent overview of Seasonal Affective Disorder
This book gives a comprehensive overview of Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as milder versions like the "winter blues" which affect many people, some of whom don't realize it.The book is written primarily for the layperson, either those who think or know they have SAD or those who know someone who does.If you fall into one of those catagories, this book would be worth reading.

The book explains the research behind the discovery of SAD (Dr. Rosenthal was one of the researchers who defined the disorder)and explains the various means of treating the problem.The author also puts SAD into a historical and literary context.After reading it, those affected by SAD will not feel that they are alone in their tribulations.They are part of a large group, and one that can live relatively normal lives with treatment and a little advance planning.

The book also offers information on distinguishing SAD from depression or bipolarity, and points out that SAD can co-occur with other problems.

Excellent overview of Seasonal Affective Disorder
This book gives a comprehensive overview of Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as milder versions like the "winter blues" which affect many people, some of whom don't realize it.The book is written primarily for the layperson, either those who think or know they have SAD or those who know someone who does.If you fall into one of those catagories, this book would be worth reading.

The book explains the research behind the discovery of SAD (Dr. Rosenthal was one of the researchers who defined the disorder)and explains the various means of treating the problem.The author also puts SAD into a historical and literary context.After reading it, those affected by SAD will not feel that they are alone in their tribulations.They are part of a large group, and one that can live relatively normal lives with treatment and a little advance planning.

The book also offers information on distinguishing SAD from depression or bipolarity, and points out that SAD can co-occur with other problems.

Worth a read
I found this book particularly useful to me in that I was not all that clear about what seasonal disorder was all about and the author is both convincing and authoritative about the problem.Although I do not experience seasonal disorder, someone very close does and I read it to find out what it was.At first, as I read the book, I wondered if this was not hype but as I continued on, I realized that the symptoms described are quite like the person.

I benefited from reading the book but found the last few sections or chapters not to keep my interest because they tended to wander off into related but non-important areas for me.

However, the book taken as a whole is a very valuable if you need information.So, if you are or know someone who may suffer this illness (and even the author makes it clear that it is a diagnosable illness) then you will gain comfort by taking the time to read it.

A PATIENT'S PERSPECTIVE
This book was interesting to me as someone who has been diagnosed with seasonal affect disorder (SAD).However, I feel that the same information is restated and shown over and over again through different cases, makingthe book long if individual cases are not what you are looking for. I feltthat the book was written in plain language, but was still geared towardspsychologists and doctors.It did answer some of my questions aboutdifferent types of light therapy and as someone who has lived inScandinavia, I found his study of people who live in northern latitudeswith regard to whether they are more immune to SAD particularlyinteresting.If you think you may have SAD, the book provides a test whichdoesn't tell you much, but would confirm the severity of your case bydistiguishing it from "Winter Blues" and SAD.I think allpsycologists/psychiatrists should have this book in their libraries andread about SAD so they can recognize it for what it is.If more peoplewould acknowlege the disorder it would make it a lot easier on those of uswho have it.And maybe the insurance company would get around toreimbursing me for my expensive light box instead of only wanting to payfor pills. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (23)

Very informative book re SAD
Very informative book regarding SAD - A must read for anybody suffering from Winter Blues

Revised Classic
Winter Blues is THE classic book on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).Rosenthal started his psychiatric career as a research fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and was one of the original researchers.In this addition, he also references his own experiences with SAD and what has been helpful to himself.

While the main thrust is on Light Therapy (LT), he also gives full and balanced discussion to other researched interventions, i.e., medications, psychotherapy (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT), negative ions, exercise, vitamins, etc.I appreciate that Dr. Rosenthal is not afraid to give his own opinions to questions about LT, after giving what is known through research.

Overall, it is important to know that SAD is very treatable for most people, whether with LT and/or with other interventions.

Winter Blues is well written and practical, doing an excellent job in referencing scientific studies in understandable language.Recommended for anyone with concerns about possible SAD issues.

Mike Miller, PhD
[...]

Excellent Book - clear, concise and comforting
Well written, clear, easy to read and comforting in that you realize many people suffer to varying degrees with this.So glad I read this book.

For Anyone Who gets "Blue" in the Dark Days of Winter
The Winter Blues is an excellent guide for anyone who is affected by the darker days of Winter...it is very encouraging for anyone w/this often misunderstood malady & those who care for someone, who suffers through it. It is great to read that it can so simply be improved or reversed & that their quality of life can be restored so easily.

this book changed my life
This book was SO, SO helpful to me. I could tell the author understands what I have gone through (or as another reviewer said, it was very validating). As a result of reading this book, I bought a good light box (I had been using a very bright lamp, but it did not put out nearly the amount of lumens as the box I now have) and started taking Welbutrin during the fall and winter months. These two things changed my life! I no longer dread winter (although I still don't like it, especially the foggy weather the place I live is prone to) and, more importantly, I no longer go through the weeks of severe emotional pain where I prayed God would let me die. The very worst thing winter does to me now is a few weeks of being more tired than usual and mild blue days now and then.
I think the two people who gave the one star reviews don't have SAD. It's something I think you have to have to understand, altough there is a section in this book for freinds and family to read that is very good. As a person who has suffered severely from SAD, I can say the book is very good and HELPFUL. ... Read more

Product Description
Season 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 SAD. Highlighting the clinical diagnosis and management of SAD, this book provides a valuable resource for all who 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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD is a very important issue for many Americans. Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder by Fiona Marshall and Peter Cheevers is very educational.
SAD is depression caused by lack of natural light. In this book it described the many different cases of SAD. This is usually seasonal. Most of the depression is caused during the winter when there is a lack of sunlight and it is very cold. Many people become very tired and start to get aches and pains. In severe cases the depression starts to affect the person's social life. It interferes with their activities. Some can even lose every aspect of the person's life.
This book is a very useful tool for someone who suspects themself to have SAD. It goes through many different types of the illness. It also gives a lot of things that can be done to help cure SAD. It also describes how light and climate is very important to this illness. Light is especially important to have in your house and at your work. Without enough lighting SAD could become much worse and cause extreme depression.
There are many different symptoms of SAD. There is extreme fatigue and increased desire to sleep. Increased appetite and extreme mood swings. Many people have thoughts of suicide. Others might gain a drinking problem, or a drug problem. The seasonal depression starts and ends at certain times of the year. This can be caused by holiday blues also. People can feel very alone and lonely causing extreme depression. This depression usually only lasts for sixty days. More often than not this is found more in women than men. It can be linked to PMS. Most cases appear in those in their twenties to forties. SAD can become a very serious issue.
The book Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder is very helpful. It gives you all the information anyone would need to know about the illness. SAD can be treated and should be taken seriously.

Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder
I found this book to be helpful. Somebody finally put into words what I feel. It was like reading about my life. I gave it to my husband to read also, so that he would understand what I am going through. ... Read more

Product Description
Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Text addressing the expanded interest in therapeutic effects of light. Provides both a summary of the literature and details of new findings. For basic scientists, clinicians, students, and consumers. Discusses impact of light therapy on SAD, premenstrual depression, insomnia, and more. DNLM: Seasonal Affective Disorder--therapy. ... Read more

Product Description
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) ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Do you find yourself becoming depressed as winter approaches? Do the "winter blues" affect your ability to get through the day? Do you experience a loss of pleasure in your daily life during the winter season? Does your mood lift with the return of spring?If so, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder or SAD. This workbook can help you learn strategies to overcome the "winter blues" this year and for years to come.It can be used as part of an individual or group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program, which may also be combined with light therapy.

To help you understand SAD, this workbook describes possible causes and how symptoms progress. Each chapter corresponds to a session of therapy so you can easily follow along with the program. You will learn effective techniques to reduce SAD symptoms and improve your mood.One important strategy is scheduling pleasant activities into your daily routine. Another is evaluating your thoughts and beliefs and changing them to be more positive. Forms are included to help you put these techniques into practice.

With your new awareness and skills, you can stop SAD symptoms from getting worse and prevent future SAD episodes. You do not have to give into the "winter blues" and wait for spring to feel better.By taking steps now, you can regain control of your life and increase your well-being this winter.

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) ... Read more

Product Description
Do you have wintertime depression?

The days are getting shorter; winter's on the way.Getting out of bed in the morning takes a colossal effort.You're craving cookies, chocolate, bread, and pasta.You try drinking coffee to perk up, but the truth is--you feel down in the dumps.If so, you may have SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition that brings wintertime suffering to up to 10% of American men, women, and children.This informative, compassionate guide explains why seasonal depression strikes, tells you how to cope, and best of all, reveals how most people can cure this painful disorder.Discover:

Product Description
In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing.This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to conduct medical research using the most advanced tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Mississippi Business Journal, published by Venture Publications on December 12, 2005. The length of the article is 975 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Pay attention to signs of depression during holidays.(seasonal affective disorder )
Author: Lynn Lofton
Publication: Mississippi Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 12, 2005
Publisher: Venture Publications
Volume: 27Issue: 50Page: B9(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
“Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tools & Strategies for Overcoming SAD”

From Sad to Glad:Proven Techniques For Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally…

"Are You Drowning In A Sea Of Sorrow? Find Out How You Can Stop Seasonal Affective Disorder From Ruining Your Life…

Have you been feeling a little sad lately?I don’t mean ‘boo-hoo’ sad, but down-in-the-dumps got-the-blues kind of sad.If this describes you, keep reading and discover how to reverse seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as SAD.

If you think you might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder symptoms and want to learn all you can about seasonal affective disorder treatment, you have come to the right place!

Have you been looking for ways to treat seasonal affective disorder with no success?We can help!

Are you wondering if seasonal affective disorder medication is the answer to your problem, or are there more natural ways of addressing SAD, such as seasonal affective disorder light therapy?We have the answers!

Once you get your copy of “Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tools & Strategies for Overcoming SAD” you will be well on your way to a SAD-free life.

Each year, millions of people suffer from depression. There is a specific kind of depression that occurs during certain times of the year, usually during the colder months (although you can get it any time of year).

It’s called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” A.K.A. SAD… and you may have it…

Do You Have SAD?

According to Douglas Jacobs, M.D., a member of the American Psychiatric Association and President of a nonprofit organization committed to helping people with depression and seasonal affective disorder the following is true:

* Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real mental illness, one that often results in depression, and can strike any time, although it is most common during colder months…
* Up to 20% of the people living in the United States have some form of SAD, and do not even know it…
* Women are four times more likely to suffer depression resulting from SAD than men are…
* Not treating SAD can lead to weight gain, fatigue, lethargy, social withdrawal and more…
* SAD involves major depressive episodes that occur during specific times of the year, often related to changes in the weather…

Unfortunately, most people with SAD shrug off their symptoms and go on with life, never getting the help they need.

How do you know if you may be a victim?

* Are you someone that dreads the colder months?
* Do you often feel tired, sluggish and sick during winter?
* Does it feel like winter will never end?
* Do you find you gain weight more easily during the cold months of the year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have SAD.

So what do you do? ... Read more

Product Description
A complete and concise primer on the causes and treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).Written in consultation with experts in the medical field to describe the effective use of bright light therapy to relieve the depressive symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.Also describes the use of light therapy to treat other medical problems such as sleep disorders and jet lag.Included is a discussion of the use of drugs, psychotherapy, diet, exercise and negative ion therapy in combination with light therapy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Complete and Clear Book About SAD
Banishing The Blues is a very easy to read book about SAD without any wasted information.It covered the causes and treatments for SAD as it affects many different types of people.The other books I have read on thesubject are filled with pages and pages of filler but not much clearinformation on SAD. ... Read more

Product Description
Abstract:Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is defined as a history of major depressive episodes that recur regularly at a particular time of year. Depending on the diagnostic instruments and criteria available, the reported prevalence (1%–10%) varies. Neurotransmitter abnormalities have been implicated in the pathophysiology, but they do not necessarily explain the seasonal pattern or the known chronobiological abnormalities in SAD compared with nonseasonal depression. Circadian rhythm abnormalies have been hypothesized to account for these aspects of SAD, and they provide a rationale for the therapeutic use of light therapy. Family history, twin, and molecular genetics studies suggest that hereditary factors are also involved. Light therapy and antidepressant medication are effective treatment options, with limited evidence for the efficacy of psychotherapy. Some studies demonstrate that narrow-band short wavelength “blue” light, naturalistic dawn simulation, and high-density negative air ionization are effective. Patients should be informed of the benefits of diet and exercise. Light therapy should be clinically monitored in the same manner, as it is done for other antidepressant treatments. ... Read more

Product Description
SAD is an acronym that stands for “seasonal affective disorder.” SAD is actually a form of depression that affects thousands of people every year, usually striking in mid adulthood. Many researchers, including those working with the American
Psychiatric Association and National Institutes of Health believe SAD results from seasonal changes that may affect circadian rhythms in the body. ... Read more