The endocrine

system
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
typically tend to begin in the fall each year, lasting
until spring. The symptoms are more intense during
the darkest months. Therefore, the more common
months of symptoms will vary depending on how far
away from the equator one lives
What are the symptoms of
seasonal affective disorder?


Although there is no specific diagnostic test for the
illness, it is understood that symptoms of seasonal
affective disorder include tiredness, fatigue,
depression, crying spells, irritability, trouble
concentrating, body aches, loss of sex drive,
poor sleep, decreased activity level, and overeating,
especially of carbohydrates, with associated weight
gain. When the condition presents in the summer,
the symptoms are more commonly insomnia, poor
appetite, and weight loss, in addition to
irritability, difficulty concentrating, and crying
spells. In severe instances, seasonal affective
disorder can be associated with thoughts of suicide


Adrenal glands
Divided into 2 regions; secrete hormones that
influence the body's metabolism, blood chemicals,
and body characteristics, as well as influence the
part of the nervous system that is involved in the
response and defense against stress.

Hypothalamus
Activates and controls the part of the nervous
system that controls involuntary body functions, the
hormonal system, and many body functions, such as
regulating sleep and stimulating appetite.

Ovaries and testicles
Secrete hormones that influence female and male
characteristics, respectively
Pancreas
Secretes a hormone (insulin) that controls the use of
glucose by the body.
Parathyroid glands
Secrete a hormone that maintains the calcium level
in the blood.
Parathyroid glands
Secrete a hormone that maintains the calcium level
in the blood.

Pituitary gland
Produces a number of different hormones that
influence various other endocrine glands.

Thymus gland
Plays a role in the body's immune system.
Thyroid gland
Produces hormones that stimulate body heat
production, bone growth, and the body's metabolism.


What is seasonal affective
disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type
of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the
days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is
believed that affected people react adversely to the
decreasing amounts of sunlight and the colder
temperatures as the fall and winter progress. It is
important to note that although seasonal affective
disorder usually presents in the fall and winter there
are those who suffer from this condition during the
summer instead of, or in addition to, during the fall
or winter.

What are the symptoms of
seasonal affective disorder?