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Jun 26, 2009 11:00 pm US/Central
There Really Is Such Thing As The Summertime Blues
(WCCO)
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Summertime Seasonal Affective Disorder, or Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder is rare -- only 1 percent of the U.S. population has it.
CBS
Most of us love our summertime weather, but for some the thought of going outdoors is enough to make them depressed.
It's a real medical condition called Summertime Seasonal Affective Disorder.
People who suffer from this tend to shy away from the sun.
There's nothing like a nice sunny Minnesota day. Most people can't wait to get out in the sun and play.
"Who wouldn't like summer? That's unnatural," joked one woman from Minneapolis.
But there are actually some people who get sick by all this sun and heat.
"It's a version of depression," said Dr. Alan Steed, a psychologist with Allina Medical Clinic.
Summertime Seasonal Affective Disorder, or Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder is rare -- only 1 percent of the U.S. population has it.
It usually affects people who live in sunny climates.
"I live in San Francisco, so it's almost like it's winter there without the snow, so you could get really depressed," said one woman.
Symptoms of Summer SAD include: weight loss, anxiety, trouble sleeping and a decrease in appetite.
"They have more hypersexual activity or interest as opposed to the winter version where that's really diminished," said Dr. Steed.
Doctors don't know what exactly causes Summertime SAD, but they think longer days, heat and humidity have something to do with it.
"I have to agree with those who dislike the very high heat and humidity. I'm not a high-humidity person," said Bev Hlavc.
For some reason women tend to be more likely to get this condition. Sandy Beach doesn't suffer from Summer SAD, but she can relate.
"I need to be living in a bubble," said Beach. "I would like a bubble about 72 degrees, always kind of comfy, no humidity, just perfect weather."
Some folks have come up with some creative ways to stay cool.
"One woman I read about actually ended up freezing coke bottles with water and sleeping with those," said Steed.
The doctor also said people who are suffering from Summertime SAD might want to consider taking an anti-depressant.
Sonya Goins, Producer
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