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3.1.4.6 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 3.1.4.6.1 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that typically comes on during winter months or from lack of exposure to adequate sunlight. Seratonin, secreted by the hypothalamus, plays a key role in determining our moods (increased levels give feelings of peace and happiness) and regulating sleeping patterns, body temperature, digestion and sex drive. It also suppresses the production of melanin, a neurohormone, produced by the Pineal gland. When levels of seratonin fall in the evening melanin is produced and secreted into the bloodstream. Melanin induces sleep by depressing activity in the brain and slowing down physiological processes. Scientists speculate that, during the winter months, the reduced sunlight exposure increases the melanin production leading to the symptoms of SAD syndrome. This leads to an imbalance of too much melatonin and too little seratonin (Smyth, 1990). In an article entitled “Possible behavioural consequences of light-induced changes in melatonin” he stated that the light intensity necessary to suppress melatonin secretion in humans is well above typical indoor lighting conditions, but well below normal outdoor daytime levels of illumination. Considering that significant portions of the population of first world countries spend most of there time indoors this may explain the high incidence of SAD within these groups (Garfield, 1985). SAD presents with symptoms of lethargy, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, lowered sex drive, avoidance of social activities, sadness and depressed mood, concentration difficulties, weight gain, food cravings, and interpersonal difficulties. Adequate sunlight exposure, and/or exposure to full spectrum light sources, eliminate or significantly reduce the effects of SAD (Smyth, 1990). 3.1.4.6.2 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, otherwise known as PMS, affects women seven to fourteen days before their menstruation. Symptoms of PMS include psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood changes, irritability, sleep problems, appetite changes, forgetfulness, crying, problems with alcohol and/or drugs, and low energy levels, and such physical symptoms as feeling bloated, breast swelling and tenderness, cravings, headaches, weight gain, oedema of the extremities, heart palpitations, backache, skin problems, and pains in the joints. 27PDF Image | THE USE OF LIGHT AND COLOUR AS A HEALING MODALITY
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