Seasonal Affective Disorder

[caption id="attachment_23" align="alignright" width="150"] A portable light box.[/caption] Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is presenting a series on various conditions individuals may have. These articles will provide some background information for each condition and help you understand how our oxygen and medical equipment resources may be best suited for you or your senior loved one’s needs. Click to learn more about COPD, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s Disease, and asthma. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons – SAD begins and ends around the same times each year. Seasonal affective disorder is much more than a case of the ‘winter blues’, it is a medical condition. This type of depression affects many people who live in northern states, such as Minnesota, in the late fall, winter, and early spring months due to a lack of sunlight during these seasons. Seasonal affective disorder was made a clinical diagnosis in the early 1980’s. Only 2% of the population has SAD, on average, but this percentage rises the farther north you live. In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the population experiences some form of the symptoms. And, although more often diagnosed in women, men tend to have more severe symptoms. A main cause of SAD is a lack of sunlight. The use of a SAD lamp greatly helps our Minnesota customers and caregivers who are affected by this disorder. Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment has a selection of lamps to consider at each of our eight metro area retail locations. Also known as winter depression or winter blues, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:

• Lack of energy
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Sleeping longer
• Irritability
• Low sex drive
• Lack of focus
• Social withdrawal

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is just one method of treating seasonal affective disorder. This type of therapy is provided through the use of a light box (also called a SAD lamp), which is most effective when a person sits within two feet of it. Typically using the SAD lamp first thing in the morning and for at least thirty minutes per day is best. The SAD lamp emits a bright light, which simulates sun light and should be a minimum of 10,000 Lux. This metric measurement of light intensity (Lux) stimulates a receptor in the individual’s eye that in turn will cause a chemical reaction in the brain which is linked to mood and will in turn help to reset your circadian rhythms. The “happy lights”, which they are often referred, will work for people with mild to very severe seasonal affective disorder. SAD light therapy is covered by most insurance companies with a medical diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder and a prescription for light therapy from a doctor. A doctor’s prescription is only necessary to purchase a SAD lamp if you want the insurance company to pay for it. Since coverage may vary, it’s best to contact your insurance company for specific criteria coverage. If you have any questions on seasonal affective disorder or SAD light therapy, contact the knowledgeable employees at Liberty Oxygen. Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment is the premier home medical equipment provider serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs with quality equipment and outstanding customer service. We enable you to stay safe and live independently in your home by offering a comprehensive array of home medical equipment and oxygen supplies, including CPAP masks and supplies. The friendly staff at each of our locations is educated and experienced with the current insurance procedures and can work with your insurance company to ensure your CPAP needs are covered. Your health and well-being is too important to trust to just anyone. Let the caring professionals at Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment assist you with the home medical equipment and other healthcare and oxygen supplies you need. Stop in any of our eight Minneapolis and St. Paul metro locations or contact us today with questions, concerns or comments.