Michael Franzen, PHD

When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.

Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.

ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.

Episodes may be a mixture of both manic and depressive symptoms. In such an episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may feel sad, empty, and hopeless but have a high level of energy at the same time. Sometimes, changes in mood are less dramatic. For example, individuals may feel happy and think everything is fine, but people around them may notice their mood changes. Episodes like this are called hypomania. If an individual is hypomanic and does not receive proper treatment, their condition will likely worsen.

Generally considered a lifetime illness, the disorder begins in the late teen or early adult years. Bipolar disorder has no known cause, but research has shown that it tends to run in families. To diagnose it, a psychiatrist carefully assesses an individual's moods and behavior patterns. They may also be asked to keep a daily record of their moods and other factors that can help with diagnosis and determining the right course of therapy. Counseling is a typical form of treatment, as is a group of medications that can control symptoms, called antipsychotics.

Young adults ages 18 to 30 are most commonly diagnosed with SAD. For unknown reasons, more women have SAD than men. Those who have a preexisting mood disorder, mental illness, or live in a region with cloudy and dark weather are also more likely to have SAD. People with SAD may experience:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Daytime exhaustion
• Loss of interest in activities
• Weight gain
• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping
• Headaches
• Increased desire for carbohydrates
• Difficulty focusing

The causes of seasonal depression are uncertain. It is suggested that the reduced daylight and sunshine of winter and fall can alter the chemistry of the brain. Sunlight may assist in the production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and happiness. Less exposure to sunlight may result in decreased serotonin, leading to SAD. Other potential causes include disrupted circadian rhythms, vitamin D deficiency, and increased melatonin (sleep hormone).

A variety of treatments are used to alleviate SAD. Patients usually benefit from more than one treatment. Light therapy is a special lamp that lets off intense light. The therapy is performed at home with patients keeping the lamp a few feet away from them as they complete their regular activities. Two types of light therapy include the light box (consistently bright lamp) and the dawn simulator (lamp that gradually becomes brighter and brighter). Light therapy may be partnered with other treatments for SAD, such as:

• Antidepressant medication
• Increased sunlight exposure
• Vitamin D supplements
• Psychotherapy

SAD is more than feeling disappointed by shorter winter nights or rainy days; it is months of depression that can drastically influence mood and behavior. Fortunately, people with SAD typically respond quickly to consistent light therapy and other treatments. Self-care and relaxation are also vital to the SAD recovery process. For those with SAD, treatment can be the first step to making four or five months of the year enjoyable once again.