Monday, November 10, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section A·Page 3
Light may cure the blues
By Sarah Chadwick
schadwick@kansan.com
Kansan stuff writer
Those end-of-the-semester blues could be a mood disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder, SAD, begins when the days get shorter and the sun does not shine as brightly, said Frank DeSalvo, assistant professor of psychology.
"Seasonal affective disorder symptoms are akin to clinical depression," DeSalvo said. "With less sun and the cloudy conditions, people lose motivation, ability to concentrate and may notice a change in appetite. It's something that will happen yearly."
The number of people affected correlates to the area of the country in which they live, said Linda Keeler, Watkins Health Center psychiatrist.
"The farther north you go, the more seasonal affective disorders you have," she said.
Kansas doesn't have as many cases as Alaska, but seasonal affective disorder is not uncommon. Although Watkins does not report the number of students treated for the disorder, Keeler thinks many students experience it.
Other symptoms of SAD may include weight gain, craving of carbohydrates, the loss of interest in normally pleasurable
activities, increased feelings of low self-esteem and possible suicidal thoughts. Keeler said.
"It's almost like bears that are getting ready to hibernate," Keeler said. "They eat a lot and sleep a lot."
The occasional 'blahs' during the winter months do not necessarily mean a person has SAD, Keeler said. The symptoms must be present during the winter months and not in the summer for three out of five consecutive years, Keeler said.
Treatment for the disorder can be as simple as sitting in a room with special lights for 30 minutes each day. Such light therapy can be found at the Bert Nash Community Health Center, 336 Missouri St.
"Seasonal affective disorder often is onset in the teen-age years or relatively early in life," said Hollis Bredeweg, development director at the Bert Nash Community Health Center. "Once you are subject to it, it's likely going to be around, and you're going to deal with it the rest of your life."
"The light looks a little bit like a light that you could have on your desk with a metal hood over it," Bredeweg said. "The light is extremely bright and has filters to filter out the UV rays so it won't hurt you."
A person sits within 18 inches of the light for 30 to 45 minutes a
Bert Nash Health Center
Open 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Nov. 1 to March 31
Located at 336 Missouri St.
Cost is $20 per month
An initial appointment with a clinician is required before use of the clinic.
A follow-up appointment with the referring clinician is requested after four weeks Lights used in the clinic are five times brighter than regular indoor lights and have UV ray filters
day and can read while in the room. Bredweg said.
Possible side-effects of the treatment can include overexcitement, migraine headaches or nausea, he said.
"It's turning around your lethargy," Bredweg said. "If people use it too much or at the wrong time of day, they may have trouble getting to sleep. Being in the presence of this light does bring about physical changes."
People with severe SAD may want to consider moving or taking longer vacations during the winter to a more sunny location, Keeler said. People also can purchase a light to use at home for between $200 and $400.
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The University Daily Kansan is accepting applications for the positions of Kansan News Staff
for the Spring 1998 semester.
Applications may be picked up at The Kansan Business Office. 119 Stauffer-Flint. Deadline for the applications is Wednesday November 12, 1997. Place finished applications in Lindsey Henry's mail box in Kansan News Room.
Don't forget your Spring '98 Optional Fees! Sign up now at your:
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- Board of class Offices (BOCO), Freshman/Senior: $10.00 Sophomore/Junior, $8.00
- SUA Movie Card, $25.00
- Jayhawker Yearbook, $30.00
- KU on Wheels Bus Pass: Spring Semester only, $55.00
Sign up at the Optional Campus Fee table, north hallway. Strong Hall now through November 12, 1997 Turn right as you exit the Enrollment Center
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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Applications are due by noon Monday November 10th!!
If you have any questions call Sarah Scherwinski at 864-4358