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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during fall and winter, when there is less sunlight. It is sometimes called "winter depression" because symptoms tend to peak in the colder months. However, a less common form of SAD can happen in the spring or summer.

Symptoms of SAD

Symptoms are similar to major depression and can include:

Low energy and fatigue

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability

Difficulty concentrating

Increased sleep and difficulty waking up (in winter SAD)

Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed

Changes in appetite (especially craving carbohydrates)

Weight gain (for winter SAD) or weight loss (for summer SAD)

Causes of SAD

The exact cause is unclear, but factors may include:

Lack of sunlight → Leads to lower serotonin levels (a neurotransmitter that affects mood).

Changes in melatonin levels → Affects sleep patterns and mood.

Circadian rhythm disruption → Less daylight can throw off the body's internal clock, leading to depressive symptoms.

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Treatment facilities (in Northern Europe)

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Treatment facilities (in Northern Europe)

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1. Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
Light therapy is one of the most effective and widely used treatments for SAD. It involves exposure to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight, which helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm and boost serotonin levels.

How It Works
A light box (also called a SAD lamp) is used to emit bright light (10,000 lux).
The person sits in front of the light for 20–30 minutes each morning, usually within the first hour of waking up.
The light must be full-spectrum and UV-filtered to ensure safety.
Effectiveness
Many people experience improvement within 1–2 weeks of starting light therapy.
It is most effective when used consistently from early fall through winter.
Works best in the morning, as using it at night may disrupt sleep.
Considerations & Risks
Some may experience eye strain, headaches, or mild nausea initially.
Not recommended for those with bipolar disorder, as it can trigger mania.
Should be used under medical guidance, especially if combined with medication.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect people of all ages, but certain age groups are more vulnerable than others. Research suggests that young adults, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 30, are at the highest risk of developing SAD. Below is an in-depth look at why this age group is most affected and how SAD impacts them differently than other age groups.

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The treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) raises several ethical concerns, particularly regarding access to care, informed consent, and potential side effects. One major issue is the availability and affordability of treatments such as light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication. Not all individuals have equal access to mental health resources, especially those in low-income or rural areas. Ethical considerations demand that treatment options be made widely available, ensuring that those who need them most—such as vulnerable populations with severe symptoms—are not excluded due to financial or geographic barriers.

Another ethical issue involves informed consent and patient autonomy, especially in cases where treatments like light therapy or antidepressants are prescribed. Patients must be fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives before starting treatment. For example, light therapy, while generally safe, can potentially trigger manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder, and antidepressants may have side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals have an ethical duty to discuss these risks transparently, allowing patients to make decisions based on accurate and comprehensive information.

Finally, the long-term use of antidepressants for SAD treatment raises ethical concerns about dependency and over-medication. While medication can be highly effective, there is ongoing debate about whether it should be used as a first-line treatment or reserved for severe cases. Over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, without addressing lifestyle changes or psychotherapy, may lead to unnecessary long-term medication use. Ethically, mental health professionals must consider a holistic approach, incorporating CBT, lifestyle interventions, and light therapy before resorting to medication alone. This ensures that treatment is both effective and ethically responsible, prioritizing patient well-being while minimizing risks.

4o

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British colonialism will have less significance after it is no longer a part of recent history, as Lorenzen's reasoning shows. The most significant substantive contribution to the establishment of Hinduism happened long before any British influence. An ingrained aspect of Indian society is the caste system.

The caste system, which was derived from Indian religions, classifies people into four groups called

Shudras (servants - lowest class)

Vaishyas (disrepsected; agriculturalists)

Kshatriyas (warriors/kings, the strongest ones in the country)

and Brahmins (priests - god believers/uncompared from the rest)

There is a separate group known as the Dalits - in modern terms, they are considered the “untouchables”. In simple words, a group of people who are illiterate and known “dirty” to such an extent that people physically distant themselves from the group.

A group considered lower on the class system levels than the Shudras

The term “untouchables” is not commonly used amongst Indian communities in the country, especially in the most developed regions such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and other Urban areas. However, the lower economically developed and educated parts of the country may still be familiar to the word.

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The conquest of India by EIC

Introduction of the taxation

1. Enforcement of the Zamindari settlement in Bengal

Granting land ownership rights to people in “lord” and “landowner” classes to oblige them to pay taxes

2. Enforcement of the Ryotwari settlement in southern India

Granting land ownership rights to farmers to obliging them to pay taxes

Collapse of the society of India

The Indian society collapsed due to the inflow of cotton goods from the British Empire and the modern taxation system brought by them

Indian Rebellion

1. 1857: Indian Rebellion

→ Indian mercenary Sipahi (Sepoy) and his supporters stood up and started the rebellion against the EIC

2. 1858: Destruction of the Mughal Empire

3. 1858: The dissolution of the EIC

→ The EIC dissolved due to the responsibility of the Indian rebellion

→ The government of Britain governed India directly

4. 1877: Establishment of the British Raj (Indian Empire)

Queen Victoria as an empress of India