There are several assessment tools available online to help you determine if you may have SAD. Taking one of these assessments is only the first step to getting diagnosed. Once you have completed an assessment you should make an appointment to see your doctor and discuss your symptoms, along with the assessment results, with her. Seasonal Affective Disorder can be closely related to Bi-Polar depression, but they are very different and call for different treatments.
- The Hamilton Depression Scale at http://www.cet-surveys.org
- Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire at http://www.depression.mb.ca
- Depression Self-Test at http://www.mooddisordersmanitoba.ca/files/documents/infosheet-depression
I took the AutoSigh self-assessment (the Hamilton Depression Scale) and was rated as severely depressed-but that's b/c I've been experiencing jet lag. I find it interesting that the symptoms for depression are very similar to the symptoms of jet lag.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteHow about coming back in another week or so when you are no longer suffering from jet lag and take the assessment again. That would help you know if you are just jet lagged or actually experiencing depression.
Thank you for your comment,
Nancy
I took the autosigh slf assessment test and was rated severely depressed, well that didnt really surprise me, I dont however feel its because of the sun as I had been in the sun quite alot this year and I have been tested for levels of vitiam D which I have to take 50,000 units each week for 13 weeks and have been doing so, am on zoloft to and still doesn't seem to make me feel happy, however when I don't take it look out am really crabbin! So I just figure its mind over matter and I go along doing what I have to smiling whether or not I feel like it ! It is what it is............
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteIf you have real reasons in your life for being depressed in a temporary sense, such as a recent death in the family, losing a job, relocating, caring for a chronically ill friend or family member, it would affect your self assessment test numbers. It is good you are under a Dr's care. It sounds like you are doing the right things and have a great attitude. If you feel depression worsening, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Keep me posted!
Nancy
Going out on a limb here and stating an opinion, many times people feel what drs call depressed,but is it really a feeling of depression, or is it longing to feel another way, a way one can not muster at the time. Many things in life cause us to feel sad, or lonely, and yes those sunny days and warm air make for lovely feelings created by the pleasant looking day, however if you take a real deep look at things, every year has its seasons, fall, winter, spring, and summer. Moods have their seasons too and if a person goes through life without experiencing all of the seasons wouldn't that be in effect living a life with no feeling?
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteYou are right in what you are saying. Noone can be "up" and "joyfilled" every day. Life has its bumps and curbs, and real sad things that make us sad no matter what season they happen in. I'm a Pennsylvania girl and love the four seasons, and yes our moods often change with the seasons. But what I am talking about here is a depression that does not need bad or sad things to happen to come over you and stay around for several months - usually November through March. Not just the winter blues that most people experience in the winter. This is depression with a capital D and if not treated can take about one third of your year away. Thank you for your sharing your thoughts. Nancy
I took the autosigh self assessment and was given a rating of moderately depressed. But, i think it's safe to say that my test results were off because i'm pregnant and many of my answers were based on that. i really haven't gotten any sun this summer either because of the heat, so i think between the changes in my body, and the cabin fever,the moderat depression rating could be pretty accurate.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteAHHH! The joy of computers, I lost my reply to you but will try again! It went something like this: Yes, being pregnant can certainly skew your scores on a depression test! Also I
Well that didn't work so instead I went to Dr Rosenthal's site and copied an article I read there recently about summer SAD. It is my newest page above. Let me know what you think. Nancy
DeleteI am moderately depressed. I think more sun, more activity, and more social interaction would help. However, at this stage of my life, these things are hard to come by and so I suppose moderate depression is to be expected.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteShort term moderate depression is to be expected at different times in our lives, especially transitional times, when we are not quite where we want to be. However, moderate depression over a prolonged tiime can lead to serious depression. It is good you can name the things you need in your life. I hope that you will find a way to get more sun, more activity and more social interaction. Do your closest friends and family know you need these things? Reach out and be honest, ask for what you need. Let me know if there is some way I which I can help. Nancy