__________ is a mood disorder that is caused by the body's reaction to low levels of light present in the winter months
Bowel function. Most of the body's serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract where it regulates bowel function and movements. It also plays a part in reducing the appetite while consuming a meal. Mood. It is most well know for its role in the brain where it plays a major part in mood, anxiety and happiness. The following is a list of things that it is thought that serotonin could affect: 1  Bowel function. Most of the body's serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract where it regulates bowel function and movements. 2  Mood. It is most well know for its role in the brain where it plays a major part in mood, anxiety and happiness. 3  Clotting. Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. The symptoms of SAD are the same as symptoms of depression, and a person with SAD may notice several or all of these symptoms: 1  Changes in mood. A person may feel sad or be in an irritable mood most of the time for at least 2 weeks during a specific time of year. What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that appears at the same time each year. With SAD, a person typically has symptoms of depression and unexplained fatigue as winter approaches and daylight hours become shorter. On the other hand psychosis, Schizophrenia, or other mental illnesses can be caused by increased chemical (mainly dopamine) activity in the synapse. Bipolar disorder may be caused by variable chemical extremes in the synapse and shifting inside the neuron. For the individual, the feelings -- or symptoms -- might be subtle, or intensely obvious. Symptoms may include months of unbearable hopelessness, fatigue, weight gain, and powerful carbohydrate cravings. Treatment for this particular mood disorder can include antidepressant drug therapy or light therapy. Approximately one per cent of the population is believed to have the disorder. Bipolar' refers to the two poles of the continuum with mania being the higher pole and depression being the lower pole. Affective means one's mood or emotions. The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness. Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Drugs that alter serotonin levels have important clinical uses such as in the treatment of depression, nausea and migraine. Medical research continues to evaluate the role of serotonin in obesity and Parkinson's disease. Other ways to increase body serotonin levels include mood induction, light, exercise and diet.
Seasonal affective disorder