Exploring the links in children between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD (Winter Depression)
Are you experiencing behavior problems with your child?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordes
Is your child having issues in school?
Do teachers and professionals encourage you to test your child for ADHD?
Are you concerned about putting your child on medication?
Has your child dropped out of activities they once enjoyed?
Is your child having sleep issues or disturbances?
Do you notice cravings for sugary foods and carbohydrates in their diet?
New research conducted at the University of Rochester links Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and alcoholism.
The depression symptoms of SAD and the inattention symptoms of ADHD can often overlap. Since Seasonal Affective Disorder's onset usually begins in late fall or early winter it coincides with the school year calendar. Thus, it is often a teacher who notices problems in a child affected with these conditions.
While ADHD has received wide spread attention in recent years, SAD, often known as "Winter Depression" is often undiagnosed or overlooked in doctor's offices especially with children.
Winter depression can make it difficult for a child to concentrate in class. They may also be experiencing sleep disturbances or night wakings which in turn exasperates the problem. The lethargy usually leads to a decreased interest in activity. Often a child loses interest and drops out of a favorite sport or activity they enjoy.
Both children and adults with SAD will often try to "self-medicate" themselves with food. Cravings for sweets and carbohydrates are very pronounced. Alcoholism can be a common problem for adults.
Similarly spring and summer can often bring about "mania" or hyperactivity in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is understandable how SAD symptoms can often be assumed simply as ADHD.
There are treatment options for available for children with ADHD and SAD. Light therapy can be an extremely effective way of treating these children. A high protein diet limiting highly processed foods with chemical additives can also make a difference. Medication is a very personal decision to be discussed with a qualified physician.
Is it ADHD Or Seasonal Affective Disorder Or Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD?
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