Canada has violated
Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Geneva, 12 August 1949.
Part II : General protection of prisoners of war
ARTICLE 13. -- HUMANE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS
[p.140] PARAGRAPH 1. -- PROHIBITION OF PHYSICAL MALTREATMENT1. ' First sentence. -- Humane treatment ' (1)The requirement that protected persons must at all times be humanely treated is the basic theme of the Geneva Conventions (2). The expression "humanely treated" is taken from the Hague Regulations and the two 1929 Geneva Conventions.The word "treated" must be understood here in its most general sense as applying to all aspects of life. With regard to the concept of humanity, the purpose of the Convention is none other than to define the correct way to behave towards a human being; each individual is desirous of the treatment corresponding to his status and can therefore judge how he should, in turn, treat his fellow human beings. The principal elements of humane treatment are subsequently listed in the Article.The requirement of humane treatment and the prohibition of certain acts inconsistent with it are general and absolute in character. They are valid at all times, and apply, for example, to cases where repressive measures are legitimately imposed on a protected person, since the dictates of humanity must be respected even if measures of security or repression are being applied. The obligation remains fully valid in relation to persons in prison or interned, whether in the territory of a Party to the conflict or in occupied territory. It is in such situations, when human values appear to be in greatest peril, that the provision assumes its full importance.2. ' Second sentence. -- Threats to the life or health of prisoners 'The first obligation is to protect the life and health of prisoners; this is a fundamental obligation which stems from the right of prisoners to be treated humanely. This is already included in the general concept of humane treatment which is stated at the beginning of the Article, but the authors of the Convention decided to denounce it specifically as a serious breach; the other "grave breaches" are listed in Article 130 .3. ' Third sentence. -- Mutilation and medical experiments 'The authors of the Convention wished expressly to prohibit mutilation and medical experiments which are a particularly reprehensible [p.141] form of attack on the human person. This prohibition is also included in Article 130 . The intention was to abolish for ever the criminal practices inflicted on thousands of persons during the Second World War.The Convention, of course, refers only to experiments not justified by the medical treatment of the prisoner concerned. It does not prevent doctors from using treatment for medical reasons with the sole object of improving the patient's condition. It must be permissible to use new medicaments and methods invented by science, provided that they are used only for therapeutic purposes. The prisoners must not in any circumstances be used as "guinea-pigs" for medical or scientific experiments.PARAGRAPH 2. -- OTHER PROHIBITIONSThe concept of humane treatment implies in the first place the absence of any kind of corporal punishment. But it does not only have this negative aspect. The present provision adds the notion of protection. To protect someone means to stand up for him, to give him assistance and support and also to defend or guard him from injury or danger. It is therefore a positive obligation for the Detaining Power at all times which follows from the obligation to treat prisoners humanely. The protection extends to moral values, such as the moral independence of the prisoner (protection against acts of intimidation) and his honour (protection against insults and public curiosity).PARAGRAPH 3. -- PROHIBITION OF REPRISALSArticle 2, paragraph 3 , of the Geneva Convention of 1929 already forbade measures of reprisal against prisoners of war; after the First World War, the International Committee of the Red Cross had considerable difficulty in obtaining sufficient support for the idea that reprisals on the person of prisoners of war should be prohibited. Many people considered that in the event of one of the Parties committing illicit acts in regard to prisoners in its hands, reprisals or the threat of reprisals on prisoners in the hands of the other Party constituted the most effective, if not the only means of ensuring a return [p.142] to normal conditions (3). But this argument did not prevail over the view that it was inhuman that a defenceless man should be held responsible for acts which he had not himself committed. It must, moreover, be pointed out that quite apart from the fact that the safeguards afforded to prisoners would be endangered by the launching of systematic reprisals, the feelings which lie behind such practices are absolutely contrary tothe spirit of the Geneva Conventions. It was not always easy to obtain respect for the corresponding provision of the 1929 Convention, and the efforts made by the International Committee of the Red Cross in this field during the Second World War demonstrate the great importance of this rule (4). It forms part of the general obligation to treat prisoners humanely both by virtue of its practical importance and because of its very great moral significance.Moreover, it need hardly be pointed out that reprisals rarely solve the initial problem. They do not lead to a re-establishment of lawful practices but involve those who apply them in a vicious circle of reprisals and counter-reprisals which brings a gradual deterioration of the law and standard of values which one wishes to protect. And even if they bring a solution for a short time, the danger is that they may engender fresh hatred which would be a factor conducive to fresh conflicts.* (1) [(1) p.140] See Jean S. PICTET, ' Red Cross Principles, 'pp. 14-31;(2) [(2) p.140] See First and Second Conventions, Article 12;Fourth Convention, Article 27;(3) [(1) p.142] The Hague Agreement concluded between theBritish and German Governments on July 2, 1917, containeda provision in Chapter IX stating that measures ofreprisal should be taken only after at least four weeks'notice of this intention had been given. The Agreementalso provided for an endeavour to remove the motives forreprisals by means of direct discussion (See ' Bulletininternational des Sociétés de la Croix-Rouge, ' 1917, p.445);(4) [(2) p.142] See ' Report of the International Committee ofthe Red Cross on its activities during the Second WorldWar, ' Vol. I, pp. 365-372;
Canada's troops investigated for Afghan abuse
Last Updated: Friday, December 18, 2009 9:09 PM ET Comments234Recommend70
CBC News
Richard Colvin, a former senior diplomat with Canada's mission in Afghanistan, testifying before a parliamentary committee on Nov. 18. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)
Canada's military police have been quietly investigating allegations for more than a year that the country's troops abused Afghan detainees, CBC News has learned.
Canadian soldiers captured the detainees sometime in 2008 and the investigation into their conduct has been ongoing for at least a year.
It was uncovered in documents obtained by CBC News. The documents were written for Defence Minister Peter MacKay in March to prepare him for question period.
The documents reveal that in 2008, military police launched six separate investigations into allegations of abuse involving Canadian troops.
"The military police determined that the allegations were unfounded in five of the six cases, and the remaining investigation is ongoing," said Major Paule Poulin, a spokesperson for the Canadian Forces Provost Marshall.
For more than a month Parliament has been seized with questions about the treatment of detainees in Afghan hands.
It started when Richard Colvin, a former senior diplomat with Canada's mission in Afghanistan, claimed that all detainees transferred by Canadians to Afghan prisons were likely tortured by Afghan officials.
"According to our information, the likelihood is that all the Afghans we handed over were tortured," Colvin told a parliamentary committee on Nov. 18.
The government's response to opposition questions about Colvin's testimony was to accuse opponents of smearing the good name of Canadian troops.
"The member is suggesting by implication that the military did something wrong, that somehow they did not do the right thing. That is what is so despicable," MacKay said on Dec. 10.
However, MacKay apparently never told the House there were allegations against Canadian troops, at least one of which is still being investigated.
That is in addition to the ongoing court martial of a Canadian captain charged earlier this year with murdering a wounded Afghan fighter in his custody.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
787 Technical concerns.
Composite fuselage
Disassembled fuselage section of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The 787's all-composite fuselage makes it the first composite airliner in production. While the Boeing 777 contains 50% aluminum and 12% composites, the new airplane uses 50% composite (mostly carbon fiber reinforced plastic), 15% aluminum, and other materials. The 787 fuselage is made up of composite barrel sections joined end to end. Each fuselage barrel will be manufactured in one piece. This will eliminate the need for some 50,000 fasteners used in conventional airplane assembly.[103] It was suggested by many, such as former Boeing senior engineer Vince Weldon, that the risks of having a composite fuselage have not been fully assessed and should not be attempted.[109][110] It was also added that carbon fiber, unlike metal, does not visibly show cracks and fatigue.[111] Boeing has dismissed such notions, insisting that composites have been used on wings and other passenger aircraft parts for many years and they have not been an issue. They have also stated that special defect detection procedures will be put in place to detect any potential hidden damage.[112]
Concerns have been raised about the porous properties of composite materials, allowing them to absorb unwanted moisture. As the aircraft reaches altitude, the moisture expands, and may cause delamination of the composite materials, and structural weakness over time.[113]
Another concern arises from the risk of lightning strikes.[114] The 787 fuselage's composite could have as much as 1,000 times the electrical resistance of aluminum, increasing the risk of damage during a lightning strike.[115] Boeing has stated that the 787's lightning protection will meet FAA requirements.[109] FAA management is planning to relax some lightning strike requirements, which will help the 787.[116]
In 2006, Boeing launched the 787 GoldCare program.[117] This is an optional, comprehensive life-cycle management service whereby aircraft in the program are routinely monitored and repaired as needed. This is the first program of its kind from Boeing: Post-sale protection programs are not new, but have usually been offered by third party service centers. Boeing is also designing and testing composite hardware so inspections are mainly visual. This will reduce the need for ultrasonic and other non-visual inspection methods, saving time and money.[118]
According to Boeing Vice President Jeff Hawk, who heads the effort to certify the 787 for airline service, a crash test involving a vertical drop of a partial fuselage section from about 15 feet onto a one inch-thick steel plate occurred on August 23, 2007, in Mesa, Arizona.[119][120] Boeing spokesperson Lori Gunter stated on September 6, 2007, that results matched what Boeing's engineers had predicted. As a result the company can model various crash scenarios using computational analysis rather than performing more tests on actual pieces of the plane.[121][122] However, it has also been suggested by a fired Boeing engineer that in the event of a crash landing, survivable in a metal plane, the composite fuselage could shatter and burn with toxic fumes.[109]
Weight issues
Boeing had been working to trim excess weight since assembly of the first airframe began in 2006. This is typical for new aircraft during their development phase. The first six 787s, which are to be used as part of the flight test program, will be overweight according to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson.[123] The first 787 is expected to be 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) overweight. The seventh and subsequent aircraft will be the first optimized 787s and are expected to meet all goals.[124] Boeing has redesigned some parts and made more use of titanium.[36] According to ILFC's Steven Udvar-Hazy, the 787-9's operating empty weight is around 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) overweight, which also could be a problem for the proposed 787-10.[125]
In early 2009 a number of 787 customers started to publicly mention their dissatisfaction with the reduced specifications on the 787, specifically weight and range issues. Industry insiders have stated Boeing has reduced its range estimates for the 787-8 from 14,800–15,700 km to 14,150–15,170 km, a reduction of over 500 km. There have also been reports that this led Delta to delay deliveries of 787s it inherited from Northwest in order to take later planes which may be closer to the original estimates. Other airlines are suspected to have been given discounts to take the earlier models.[126] Shanghai Airlines stated in March 2009 it wished to either delay or cancel its first order. Boeing expects to have the weight issues addressed by the 21st production model.[127]
In May 2009, a press report indicated that a 10–15% range reduction for early 787-8 aircraft is anticipated due to these planes being about 8% overweight. This means a range of about 6,900 nmi (12,800 km) instead the originally promised 7,700 to 8,200 nmi (14,800–15,700 km). Substantial redesign work is expected to correct this, which will complicate increases in production rates.[128] Boeing confirmed on May 7 that early 787s would be heavy and is working on weight reductions. The company stated the early 787-8s will have a range of almost 8,000 nmi (14,800 km).[129]
Computer network vulnerability
787 flight deck
In January 2008, previous Federal Aviation Administration concerns came to light regarding protection of the 787's networks from possible intentional or unintentional passenger access.[130][131] The computer network in the passenger compartment, designed to give passengers in-flight internet access, is connected to the airplane's control, navigation and communication systems.[130]
Boeing called the report "misleading", saying that various hardware and software solutions are employed to protect the airplane systems including air gaps for the physical separation of the networks, and firewalls for their software separation. Measures are provided so data cannot be transferred from the passenger internet system to the maintenance or navigation systems. As part of certification Boeing plans to demonstrate to the FAA that these provisions are acceptable.[130]
Engine interchangeability
The two different engine models compatible with the 787 will use a standard electrical interface to allow an aircraft to be fitted with either Rolls-Royce or General Electric engines. This will save time and cost when changing engine types.[132] However, ILFC's Vice President of Marketing, Marty Olson, stated that swapping different engines could take up to 15 days, and therefore would cost too much. "You'd have to take all the pylon, everything from the wing down, off," Olson said. Other aircraft can have engines changed to those of a different manufacturer, but the high cost makes it rare. Boeing said that the design is unfinished, and 24 hours is still the goal.[133]
Disassembled fuselage section of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The 787's all-composite fuselage makes it the first composite airliner in production. While the Boeing 777 contains 50% aluminum and 12% composites, the new airplane uses 50% composite (mostly carbon fiber reinforced plastic), 15% aluminum, and other materials. The 787 fuselage is made up of composite barrel sections joined end to end. Each fuselage barrel will be manufactured in one piece. This will eliminate the need for some 50,000 fasteners used in conventional airplane assembly.[103] It was suggested by many, such as former Boeing senior engineer Vince Weldon, that the risks of having a composite fuselage have not been fully assessed and should not be attempted.[109][110] It was also added that carbon fiber, unlike metal, does not visibly show cracks and fatigue.[111] Boeing has dismissed such notions, insisting that composites have been used on wings and other passenger aircraft parts for many years and they have not been an issue. They have also stated that special defect detection procedures will be put in place to detect any potential hidden damage.[112]
Concerns have been raised about the porous properties of composite materials, allowing them to absorb unwanted moisture. As the aircraft reaches altitude, the moisture expands, and may cause delamination of the composite materials, and structural weakness over time.[113]
Another concern arises from the risk of lightning strikes.[114] The 787 fuselage's composite could have as much as 1,000 times the electrical resistance of aluminum, increasing the risk of damage during a lightning strike.[115] Boeing has stated that the 787's lightning protection will meet FAA requirements.[109] FAA management is planning to relax some lightning strike requirements, which will help the 787.[116]
In 2006, Boeing launched the 787 GoldCare program.[117] This is an optional, comprehensive life-cycle management service whereby aircraft in the program are routinely monitored and repaired as needed. This is the first program of its kind from Boeing: Post-sale protection programs are not new, but have usually been offered by third party service centers. Boeing is also designing and testing composite hardware so inspections are mainly visual. This will reduce the need for ultrasonic and other non-visual inspection methods, saving time and money.[118]
According to Boeing Vice President Jeff Hawk, who heads the effort to certify the 787 for airline service, a crash test involving a vertical drop of a partial fuselage section from about 15 feet onto a one inch-thick steel plate occurred on August 23, 2007, in Mesa, Arizona.[119][120] Boeing spokesperson Lori Gunter stated on September 6, 2007, that results matched what Boeing's engineers had predicted. As a result the company can model various crash scenarios using computational analysis rather than performing more tests on actual pieces of the plane.[121][122] However, it has also been suggested by a fired Boeing engineer that in the event of a crash landing, survivable in a metal plane, the composite fuselage could shatter and burn with toxic fumes.[109]
Weight issues
Boeing had been working to trim excess weight since assembly of the first airframe began in 2006. This is typical for new aircraft during their development phase. The first six 787s, which are to be used as part of the flight test program, will be overweight according to Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson.[123] The first 787 is expected to be 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) overweight. The seventh and subsequent aircraft will be the first optimized 787s and are expected to meet all goals.[124] Boeing has redesigned some parts and made more use of titanium.[36] According to ILFC's Steven Udvar-Hazy, the 787-9's operating empty weight is around 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) overweight, which also could be a problem for the proposed 787-10.[125]
In early 2009 a number of 787 customers started to publicly mention their dissatisfaction with the reduced specifications on the 787, specifically weight and range issues. Industry insiders have stated Boeing has reduced its range estimates for the 787-8 from 14,800–15,700 km to 14,150–15,170 km, a reduction of over 500 km. There have also been reports that this led Delta to delay deliveries of 787s it inherited from Northwest in order to take later planes which may be closer to the original estimates. Other airlines are suspected to have been given discounts to take the earlier models.[126] Shanghai Airlines stated in March 2009 it wished to either delay or cancel its first order. Boeing expects to have the weight issues addressed by the 21st production model.[127]
In May 2009, a press report indicated that a 10–15% range reduction for early 787-8 aircraft is anticipated due to these planes being about 8% overweight. This means a range of about 6,900 nmi (12,800 km) instead the originally promised 7,700 to 8,200 nmi (14,800–15,700 km). Substantial redesign work is expected to correct this, which will complicate increases in production rates.[128] Boeing confirmed on May 7 that early 787s would be heavy and is working on weight reductions. The company stated the early 787-8s will have a range of almost 8,000 nmi (14,800 km).[129]
Computer network vulnerability
787 flight deck
In January 2008, previous Federal Aviation Administration concerns came to light regarding protection of the 787's networks from possible intentional or unintentional passenger access.[130][131] The computer network in the passenger compartment, designed to give passengers in-flight internet access, is connected to the airplane's control, navigation and communication systems.[130]
Boeing called the report "misleading", saying that various hardware and software solutions are employed to protect the airplane systems including air gaps for the physical separation of the networks, and firewalls for their software separation. Measures are provided so data cannot be transferred from the passenger internet system to the maintenance or navigation systems. As part of certification Boeing plans to demonstrate to the FAA that these provisions are acceptable.[130]
Engine interchangeability
The two different engine models compatible with the 787 will use a standard electrical interface to allow an aircraft to be fitted with either Rolls-Royce or General Electric engines. This will save time and cost when changing engine types.[132] However, ILFC's Vice President of Marketing, Marty Olson, stated that swapping different engines could take up to 15 days, and therefore would cost too much. "You'd have to take all the pylon, everything from the wing down, off," Olson said. Other aircraft can have engines changed to those of a different manufacturer, but the high cost makes it rare. Boeing said that the design is unfinished, and 24 hours is still the goal.[133]
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Opposition poll oroande "borgerliga koalitionsregering i Sverige.
oroande": Reinfeldt Publicerad: 14 December 09 14:39 CETOnline: http://www.thelocal.se/23838/20091214/ Ordbok verktyg Dubbelklicka på ett ord för att få en översättning Svenska statsminister Fredrik Reinfeldt har erkänt att han är oroad av enkät resultat som visar att oppositionen i ett försprång över de borgerliga koalitionsregering. (27 november 09) "Det är mycket oroande. Mona Sahlin blir statsminister hur det ser ut nu, utan att hon låter någon vet var hon vill ta Sverige och utan [oppositionspartierna] har utarbetat någon gemensam politik sade Reinfeldt, talar vid sidan av en talande engagemang på måndagen vid Stockholms universitet. "Jag ska göra allt jag kan för att undvika att kasta Sverige in i kallt vatten, tillade han, innan förutspår att nästa års val kan kristallisera till en folkomröstning om den motsatta blocken respektive sysselsättningspolitik. En Sifo-undersökning som presenterades på söndagen lade trepartssamtal röd-gröna oppositionen i en elva punkt leda över regeringen. Enligt undersökningen, socialdemokraterna, miljöpartiet och vänsterpartiet få ett samlat stöd på 52,2 procent av väljarna, jämfört med bara 40,8 procent för den borgerliga alliansen. En SCB undersökning som publicerades förra veckan visade också på att Mona Sahlin och hennes allierade skulle få tillräckligt stöd för att bilda en regering var ett val som skall hållas i dag. Socialdemokratiska ledare Mona Sahlin sade att hon inte ville ställa alltför mycket aktier i opinionsundersökningar släppt nio månader före valet, men hon uttryckte glädje att den rödgröna alliansen började ta fart. "Jag tycker det är delvis ned till särskiljningsförmåga för den röd-gröna. Det var mycket främmande i början, föregås av en ganska svår start. Nu har vi presenterade oss själva, etablerat oss och har levererat en hel del av den gemensamma politiken. Det är något väljarna alltmer ser, och tillitsfull, och uppskattar, säger Sahlin. "Men det finns också diskussioner om arbetslöshetsförsäkringen, skatt på pensionärer och socialförsäkring som slår regeringen hårt. Deras politik har alltid såg ut så här men man vet nu att de blir avslöjade, tillade hon. Reinfeldt sade att han trodde att hans egen långvariga frånvaro samtidigt om EU-ordförandeskapet tull kan ha haft viss betydelse för de fattiga enkät resultat. Statsministern trodde också kritik kring omfattande förändringar för Sveriges sjukförmåner systemet kan ha haft en negativ inverkan på regeringens rating. Men Reinfeldt tillade att socialdemokraternas egen politik inte skiljer sig avsevärt från regeringen. "I grund och botten inte har några andra förslag. De använder information från media och gör en massa oväsen, eftersom de tror att det kommer att öka sitt stöd." Reinfeldt konstaterade att ledande socialdemokrater som hade tittat in i socialförsäkringssystemet hade uppnått samma slutsats som den moderatledda regeringen: att det inte var hållbart att Sverige har den högsta sjukfrånvaron i Europa. "[Fd socialdemokraten statsminister] Göran Persson brukade resa runt i Europa skryter om att vi inte hade någon arbetslöshet, sade Reinfeldt, som anklagade sin företrädares politik som leder till en situation där det sociala försäkringssystemet användes som buffert bakom sig för att dölja arbetslöshetssiffror. "Folk fick en stämpel i pannan som innebär att deras arbetsdagar var över, sade Reinfeldt och tillade att moderaterna inte tror på att driva människor i förtidspension program bara för att de hade en existentiell kris vid 32 års ålder. Hans parti hade tro på kraften hos den enskilde att studsa tillbaka, sade Reinfeldt
Monday, December 14, 2009
Opposition poll worrying' centre-right coalition government in Sweden.
Opposition poll lead 'very worrying': Reinfeldt
Published: 14 Dec 09 14:39 CETOnline: http://www.thelocal.se/23838/20091214/
Dictionary tool Double click on a word to get a translation
Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has admitted he is concerned by poll results showing the opposition in a commanding lead over the centre-right coalition government.
(27 Nov 09)"It's very worrying. Mona Sahlin will become prime minister the way things are looking now, without her letting anybody know where she wants to take Sweden and without [the opposition parties] having prepared any common policies" said Reinfeldt, speaking on the sidelines of a speaking engagement on Monday at Stockholm University. "I'm going to do all I can to avoid throwing Sweden into cold water," he added, before predicting that next year's election is likely to crystallize into a referendum on the opposing blocs' respective employment policies. A Sifo survey presented on Sunday put the three-party red-green opposition in an eleven point lead over the government. According to the poll, the Social Democrats, Green Party and Left Party enjoy the combined support of 52.2 percent of the electorate, compared to just 40.8 percent for the centre-right Alliance. A Statistics Sweden poll published last week also indicated that Mona Sahlin and her allies would enjoy enough support to form a government were an election to be held today. Social Democrat leader Mona Sahlin said she did not wish to set too much stock in opinion polls released nine months before the election, but she expressed pleasure that the red-green alliance was beginning to gain momentum. "I think it's partly down to the distinctiveness of the red-greens. It was all very unfamiliar at the beginning, prefaced by quite a difficult start. Now we have presented ourselves, established ourselves and have delivered quite a lot of common policies. That's something voters are increasingly seeing, and trusting, and appreciating," said Sahlin. "But then there's also the debates about unemployment insurance, tax on pensioners and social insurance that are hitting the government hard. Their politics have always looked like this but it's now that they're being revealed," she added. Reinfeldt said he believed his own protracted absences while on EU presidency duty may have had some bearing on the poor poll results. The Prime Minister also believed criticism surrounding widespread changes to Sweden's sickness benefits system may have impacted negatively on the government's rating. But Reinfeldt added that the Social Democrats' own policies didn't differ substantially from those of the government. "Basically they don't have any other proposals. They use information from the media and make a lot of noise because they think it will boost their support."Reinfeldt noted that top Social Democrats who had looked into the social insurance system had reached the same conclusion as the Moderate-led government: that it was not sustainable for Sweden to have the highest rate of sick leave in Europe. "[Former Social Democrat prime minister] Göran Persson used to travel around in Europe boasting that we didn't have any unemployment," said Reinfeldt, who accused his predecessor's policies of leading to a situation in which the social insurance system was used as a buffer behind which to hide jobless figures. "People received a stamp on their forehead to the effect that their working days were over," said Reinfeldt, adding that the Moderate Party did not believe in pushing people into early retirement programmes simply because they had an existential crisis at the age of 32. His party had faith in the power of the individual to bounce back, said Reinfeldt
Published: 14 Dec 09 14:39 CETOnline: http://www.thelocal.se/23838/20091214/
Dictionary tool Double click on a word to get a translation
Swedish prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt has admitted he is concerned by poll results showing the opposition in a commanding lead over the centre-right coalition government.
(27 Nov 09)"It's very worrying. Mona Sahlin will become prime minister the way things are looking now, without her letting anybody know where she wants to take Sweden and without [the opposition parties] having prepared any common policies" said Reinfeldt, speaking on the sidelines of a speaking engagement on Monday at Stockholm University. "I'm going to do all I can to avoid throwing Sweden into cold water," he added, before predicting that next year's election is likely to crystallize into a referendum on the opposing blocs' respective employment policies. A Sifo survey presented on Sunday put the three-party red-green opposition in an eleven point lead over the government. According to the poll, the Social Democrats, Green Party and Left Party enjoy the combined support of 52.2 percent of the electorate, compared to just 40.8 percent for the centre-right Alliance. A Statistics Sweden poll published last week also indicated that Mona Sahlin and her allies would enjoy enough support to form a government were an election to be held today. Social Democrat leader Mona Sahlin said she did not wish to set too much stock in opinion polls released nine months before the election, but she expressed pleasure that the red-green alliance was beginning to gain momentum. "I think it's partly down to the distinctiveness of the red-greens. It was all very unfamiliar at the beginning, prefaced by quite a difficult start. Now we have presented ourselves, established ourselves and have delivered quite a lot of common policies. That's something voters are increasingly seeing, and trusting, and appreciating," said Sahlin. "But then there's also the debates about unemployment insurance, tax on pensioners and social insurance that are hitting the government hard. Their politics have always looked like this but it's now that they're being revealed," she added. Reinfeldt said he believed his own protracted absences while on EU presidency duty may have had some bearing on the poor poll results. The Prime Minister also believed criticism surrounding widespread changes to Sweden's sickness benefits system may have impacted negatively on the government's rating. But Reinfeldt added that the Social Democrats' own policies didn't differ substantially from those of the government. "Basically they don't have any other proposals. They use information from the media and make a lot of noise because they think it will boost their support."Reinfeldt noted that top Social Democrats who had looked into the social insurance system had reached the same conclusion as the Moderate-led government: that it was not sustainable for Sweden to have the highest rate of sick leave in Europe. "[Former Social Democrat prime minister] Göran Persson used to travel around in Europe boasting that we didn't have any unemployment," said Reinfeldt, who accused his predecessor's policies of leading to a situation in which the social insurance system was used as a buffer behind which to hide jobless figures. "People received a stamp on their forehead to the effect that their working days were over," said Reinfeldt, adding that the Moderate Party did not believe in pushing people into early retirement programmes simply because they had an existential crisis at the age of 32. His party had faith in the power of the individual to bounce back, said Reinfeldt
Sunday, December 13, 2009
what a bad Provincial Party Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta!.
Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta
Wildrose Alliance
Active Provincial Party
Leader
Danielle Smith
President
Jeff Callaway
Founded
2008
Headquarters
#3, 1303 - 44 Ave NECalgary, ABT2E 6L5#401 Legislature Annex9718-107 StEdmonton, ABT5K 1E4
Ideology
ConservatismLibertarianism[1]
International affiliation
None
Official colours
Blue & Green
Website
http://www.wildrosealliance.ca
Politics of CanadaPolitical partiesElections
The Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta is a fiscally conservative provincial political party in Alberta, Canada. It includes both libertarian and socially conservative factions,[1] and has been led by the libertarian Danielle Smith since October 2009.[2]
Though it won no seats in the 2008 election, winning its only seat in the Legislative Assembly in a 2009 by-election, a November 2009 poll found the party leading province-wide with 39% support, 14 points ahead of both the governing Progressive Conservatives and opposition Liberals.[3]
Contents[hide]
1 History
2 Elections
2.1 2008
2.1.1 Election results
3 Leadership election 2009
4 Danielle Smith era
5 References
6 External links
//
[edit] History
The Wildrose Alliance was named after the Wildrose Party of Alberta and the Alberta Alliance Party. The new party was named for the flower Rosa acicularis commonly known as the Alberta Wild Rose, which grows in Alberta and other areas in North America. The Alliance portion of the name comes from the former Alberta Alliance Party that existed from 2002 to 2008.
The party was created by merger at a special convention on January 19, 2008. The Alberta Alliance Party changed its name to the "Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta", and accepted the members, assets and liabilities of the Wildrose Party.[4] By-laws were adopted that were substantially similar to those of the Wildrose Party, and a new executive committee was elected.
Alberta Alliance leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly Paul Hinman was selected by an agreement of the executive councils to lead the new party into the 27th Alberta general election.
On February 1, 2008, the President of the new party, Rob James, resigned.[5] John Hilton-O'Brien was selected to serve as interim President of the Party. Hilton-O'Brien was the Alberta Alliance candidate for Grande Prairie Wapiti in the 2004 election. He was elected to the party executive at the merger meeting.
At the Wildrose Alliance's first AGM on June 21, 2008 in Red Deer, Alberta, Jeff Callaway was elected president of the party. He ran un-contested again at the AGM on June 5 and 6 2009 in Calgary, Alberta and was re-elected as a result.
[edit] Elections
[edit] 2008
Main article: Alberta general election, 2008
The party kicked off its 2008 pre-writ election campaign with a tour of towns and small cities across Alberta.
The party ran on a platform of:
minimal taxes (raising the basic exemption to $20,000, eliminating health care premiums, reducing corporate taxes, and building the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund with the object of eventually being able to replace personal tax revenue with investment revenue)
smaller, efficient government (allowing governance and service delivery at the municipal and community level as much as possible, reducing government bureaucracy and unnecessary programs, and reducing government spending to a per capita rate comparable to other Canadian provinces)
free market economics (recognizing existing signed oil sands agreements, enacting a market-based royalty framework that protects the ability of energy companies to grow the Alberta economy, establishing a maximum royalty rate on a per well basis at no higher than 37%, and recognizing that higher royalties in the conventional sector are inappropriate if gas prices are below $7.50/mcf and oil is below $75/barrel)
democratic reform (establishing set election dates every four years, allowing for citizen initiatives via referendums, and enacting the right to recall elected officials)
reclaiming provincial responsibilities from Ottawa
[edit] Election results
On election night, Hinman lost his seat and no other Alliance candidate won a seat. The result in Hinman's riding was close and a recount was held which confirmed Hinman's loss to PC challenger Broyce Jacobs.[6] The Wildrose Alliance received 6.8% of the popular vote across the province, performing on par with the Green Party (4.6%) and the NDP (9.8%).
On election night the Alliance's website was attacked by five computer addresses which blitzed it 100,000 times in 24 hours, making the website difficult to access. The Liberals' website was also experiencing downtime from a possible attack.[7]
[edit] Leadership election 2009
For more details on this topic, see Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta leadership election, 2009.
On April 20, 2009, Paul Hinman announced his intent to step down as Wildrose Alliance leader at the 2009 Annual General Meeting on June 6, 2009 in Calgary, triggering the party's first leadership election under the Wildrose Alliance banner. On June 7, 2009, the party had attracted two candidates to the race, former Canadian Federation of Independent Business provincial director Danielle Smith and Calgary chiropractor Mark Dyrholm. On July 24, 2009, Jeff Willerton became the third candidate. Following the Calgary leadership debate on September 16, 2009, Willerton dropped out of the race.
On October 17, Danielle Smith was elected leader of the party, which subsequently shifted its focus to fundraising and selecting candidates for a future election.[8]
Although standing down as leader, Paul Hinman managed to win a by-election in Calgary-Glenmore, a Progressive Conservative riding for over 35 years,[8] in the midst of the party's leadership election. Hinman's election returned Wildrose to the legislature, and was said to have earned the party a shot of credibility.[8] The by-election result was arguably the first strong showing by the Alliance in an urban seat.
[edit] Danielle Smith era
After Smith was elected she appointed Stephen Carter as the party's first interim Chief of Staff.[9] On November 25, 2009 Carter resigned the position after it came to light in the public his business Carter McRae was collapsing financially.[10] He notified Smith and the party about the failure of his business interests before accepting the job.[11] Carter had been involved in a controversy over twitter a week earlier to which Premier Ed Stelmach's communication director Tom Olsen accused him of insulting Ukrainian heritage.[12]
Smith announced in her first month of leadership to set up a task force to develop a detailed energy policy for the party[13] and a second task force to independently determine elected Members wages and benefits.[14]
[edit] References
^ a b Andrew Steele (19 October 2009). "Safe change". The Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/andrew-steele/safe-change/article1329485/.
^ "Wildrose party leader to run for Calgary seat". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 19 October 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/10/19/alberta-wildrose-alliance-smith-party-leader-calgary.html. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
^ "Poll gives Wildrose big lead". National Post. 2009-11-29. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2327477. Retrieved 2009-12-11.
^ Party website
^ "Wildrose President resigns". Calgary Herald. February 1, 2008. http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=a8a2b04f-c7fc-4d12-8180-c3190f312512&k=21324/. Retrieved 2008-02-01.
^ http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=3fd28602-4834-4d2a-8deb-16cbc2cd6015
^ Voter confusion, website controversies unsettles Alberta election
^ a b c "Smith elected Wildrose Party leader". CBC News. 2009-10-17. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/10/17/edmonton-wildrose-alliance-leader.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
^ Trish Audette (November 21, 2009). "140 characters = 1 day of bad press". Edmonton Journal. http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/electionnotebook/archive/2009/11/21/140-characters-1-day-of-bad-press.aspx.
^ Nathan VanderKlippe (November 24, 2009). "High-profile member of Wildrose party resigns". Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/high-profile-member-of-wildrose-party-resigns/article1376291/.
^ "Wildrose aide quits over Twitter post mocking Stelmach". National Post. November 25, 2009. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2265808.
^ "Tweet about premier a 'lapse in judgment'". CBC News. November 20, 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/11/20/edmonton-carter-twitter-stelmach.html.
^ "Wildrose Alliance drafts two critics for energy task force". Calgary Herald. November 11, 2009. http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Wildrose+Alliance+drafts+critics+energy+task+force/2209807/story.html.
^ "Wildrose Alliance scrutinizes MLA pay". CBC News. November 19, 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/11/19/edmonton-wildrose-alliance-mla-pay.html.
[edit] External links
Wildrose Alliance homepage
Wildrose Alliance
Active Provincial Party
Leader
Danielle Smith
President
Jeff Callaway
Founded
2008
Headquarters
#3, 1303 - 44 Ave NECalgary, ABT2E 6L5#401 Legislature Annex9718-107 StEdmonton, ABT5K 1E4
Ideology
ConservatismLibertarianism[1]
International affiliation
None
Official colours
Blue & Green
Website
http://www.wildrosealliance.ca
Politics of CanadaPolitical partiesElections
The Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta is a fiscally conservative provincial political party in Alberta, Canada. It includes both libertarian and socially conservative factions,[1] and has been led by the libertarian Danielle Smith since October 2009.[2]
Though it won no seats in the 2008 election, winning its only seat in the Legislative Assembly in a 2009 by-election, a November 2009 poll found the party leading province-wide with 39% support, 14 points ahead of both the governing Progressive Conservatives and opposition Liberals.[3]
Contents[hide]
1 History
2 Elections
2.1 2008
2.1.1 Election results
3 Leadership election 2009
4 Danielle Smith era
5 References
6 External links
//
[edit] History
The Wildrose Alliance was named after the Wildrose Party of Alberta and the Alberta Alliance Party. The new party was named for the flower Rosa acicularis commonly known as the Alberta Wild Rose, which grows in Alberta and other areas in North America. The Alliance portion of the name comes from the former Alberta Alliance Party that existed from 2002 to 2008.
The party was created by merger at a special convention on January 19, 2008. The Alberta Alliance Party changed its name to the "Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta", and accepted the members, assets and liabilities of the Wildrose Party.[4] By-laws were adopted that were substantially similar to those of the Wildrose Party, and a new executive committee was elected.
Alberta Alliance leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly Paul Hinman was selected by an agreement of the executive councils to lead the new party into the 27th Alberta general election.
On February 1, 2008, the President of the new party, Rob James, resigned.[5] John Hilton-O'Brien was selected to serve as interim President of the Party. Hilton-O'Brien was the Alberta Alliance candidate for Grande Prairie Wapiti in the 2004 election. He was elected to the party executive at the merger meeting.
At the Wildrose Alliance's first AGM on June 21, 2008 in Red Deer, Alberta, Jeff Callaway was elected president of the party. He ran un-contested again at the AGM on June 5 and 6 2009 in Calgary, Alberta and was re-elected as a result.
[edit] Elections
[edit] 2008
Main article: Alberta general election, 2008
The party kicked off its 2008 pre-writ election campaign with a tour of towns and small cities across Alberta.
The party ran on a platform of:
minimal taxes (raising the basic exemption to $20,000, eliminating health care premiums, reducing corporate taxes, and building the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund with the object of eventually being able to replace personal tax revenue with investment revenue)
smaller, efficient government (allowing governance and service delivery at the municipal and community level as much as possible, reducing government bureaucracy and unnecessary programs, and reducing government spending to a per capita rate comparable to other Canadian provinces)
free market economics (recognizing existing signed oil sands agreements, enacting a market-based royalty framework that protects the ability of energy companies to grow the Alberta economy, establishing a maximum royalty rate on a per well basis at no higher than 37%, and recognizing that higher royalties in the conventional sector are inappropriate if gas prices are below $7.50/mcf and oil is below $75/barrel)
democratic reform (establishing set election dates every four years, allowing for citizen initiatives via referendums, and enacting the right to recall elected officials)
reclaiming provincial responsibilities from Ottawa
[edit] Election results
On election night, Hinman lost his seat and no other Alliance candidate won a seat. The result in Hinman's riding was close and a recount was held which confirmed Hinman's loss to PC challenger Broyce Jacobs.[6] The Wildrose Alliance received 6.8% of the popular vote across the province, performing on par with the Green Party (4.6%) and the NDP (9.8%).
On election night the Alliance's website was attacked by five computer addresses which blitzed it 100,000 times in 24 hours, making the website difficult to access. The Liberals' website was also experiencing downtime from a possible attack.[7]
[edit] Leadership election 2009
For more details on this topic, see Wildrose Alliance Party of Alberta leadership election, 2009.
On April 20, 2009, Paul Hinman announced his intent to step down as Wildrose Alliance leader at the 2009 Annual General Meeting on June 6, 2009 in Calgary, triggering the party's first leadership election under the Wildrose Alliance banner. On June 7, 2009, the party had attracted two candidates to the race, former Canadian Federation of Independent Business provincial director Danielle Smith and Calgary chiropractor Mark Dyrholm. On July 24, 2009, Jeff Willerton became the third candidate. Following the Calgary leadership debate on September 16, 2009, Willerton dropped out of the race.
On October 17, Danielle Smith was elected leader of the party, which subsequently shifted its focus to fundraising and selecting candidates for a future election.[8]
Although standing down as leader, Paul Hinman managed to win a by-election in Calgary-Glenmore, a Progressive Conservative riding for over 35 years,[8] in the midst of the party's leadership election. Hinman's election returned Wildrose to the legislature, and was said to have earned the party a shot of credibility.[8] The by-election result was arguably the first strong showing by the Alliance in an urban seat.
[edit] Danielle Smith era
After Smith was elected she appointed Stephen Carter as the party's first interim Chief of Staff.[9] On November 25, 2009 Carter resigned the position after it came to light in the public his business Carter McRae was collapsing financially.[10] He notified Smith and the party about the failure of his business interests before accepting the job.[11] Carter had been involved in a controversy over twitter a week earlier to which Premier Ed Stelmach's communication director Tom Olsen accused him of insulting Ukrainian heritage.[12]
Smith announced in her first month of leadership to set up a task force to develop a detailed energy policy for the party[13] and a second task force to independently determine elected Members wages and benefits.[14]
[edit] References
^ a b Andrew Steele (19 October 2009). "Safe change". The Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/andrew-steele/safe-change/article1329485/.
^ "Wildrose party leader to run for Calgary seat". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 19 October 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/10/19/alberta-wildrose-alliance-smith-party-leader-calgary.html. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
^ "Poll gives Wildrose big lead". National Post. 2009-11-29. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2327477. Retrieved 2009-12-11.
^ Party website
^ "Wildrose President resigns". Calgary Herald. February 1, 2008. http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=a8a2b04f-c7fc-4d12-8180-c3190f312512&k=21324/. Retrieved 2008-02-01.
^ http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=3fd28602-4834-4d2a-8deb-16cbc2cd6015
^ Voter confusion, website controversies unsettles Alberta election
^ a b c "Smith elected Wildrose Party leader". CBC News. 2009-10-17. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/10/17/edmonton-wildrose-alliance-leader.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
^ Trish Audette (November 21, 2009). "140 characters = 1 day of bad press". Edmonton Journal. http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/electionnotebook/archive/2009/11/21/140-characters-1-day-of-bad-press.aspx.
^ Nathan VanderKlippe (November 24, 2009). "High-profile member of Wildrose party resigns". Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/high-profile-member-of-wildrose-party-resigns/article1376291/.
^ "Wildrose aide quits over Twitter post mocking Stelmach". National Post. November 25, 2009. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2265808.
^ "Tweet about premier a 'lapse in judgment'". CBC News. November 20, 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/11/20/edmonton-carter-twitter-stelmach.html.
^ "Wildrose Alliance drafts two critics for energy task force". Calgary Herald. November 11, 2009. http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Wildrose+Alliance+drafts+critics+energy+task+force/2209807/story.html.
^ "Wildrose Alliance scrutinizes MLA pay". CBC News. November 19, 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/11/19/edmonton-wildrose-alliance-mla-pay.html.
[edit] External links
Wildrose Alliance homepage
Saturday, December 12, 2009
(SAD), or Seasonal Affective Disorder info 2009.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression or winter blues, is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or, less frequently, in the summer,[1] spring or autumn, repeatedly, year after year. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), SAD is not a unique mood disorder, but is "a specifier of major depression".[2]
The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up."[3] The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety.[4] It has been estimated that 1.5-9% of adults in the US experience SAD.[5]
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration,[6] and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin.[7]
Contents[hide]
1 Symptoms
2 Diagnostic criteria
3 Physiology
4 Origin
5 Treatment
6 Incidence
6.1 Nordic countries
6.2 Other countries
7 SAD and bipolar
8 See also
9 References
10 External links
//
[edit] Symptoms
Symptoms of SAD may consist of: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this leads to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.
People that experience Reverse SAD (spring and summer depression) show symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, weight loss, and an increased sex drive.[4] RSAD can also manifest depression, which makes it difficult to diagnose this rare affliction.
[edit] Diagnostic criteria
According to the American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV,[8] criteria, Seasonal Affective disorder is not regarded as a separate disorder, but is called a 'course specifier' and may be applied as an added description to the pattern of Major Depressive Episodes in patients with Major Depressive Disorder or patients with Bipolar Disorder. The Seasonal Pattern Specifier must meet four criteria: depressive episodes at a particular time of the year; remissions or mania/hypomania also at a characteristic time of year; these patterns must have lasted two years with no nonseasonal major depressive episodes during that same period; and these seasonal depressive episodes outnumber other depressive episodes throughout the patient's lifetime. The Mayo Clinic[4] describes three types of Seasonal Affective Disorder, each with its own set of symptoms.
[edit] Physiology
Seasonal mood variations are believed to be related to light. An argument for this view is the effectiveness of bright-light therapy.[9] SAD is measurably present at latitudes in the Arctic region, such as Finland (64º 00´N) where the rate of SAD is 9.5%[10] Cloud cover may contribute to the negative effects of SAD.[5]
The symptoms of SAD mimic those of dysthymia or clinical depression. There is also potential risk of suicide in some patients experiencing SAD. One study reports 6-35% of sufferers required hospitalization during one period of illness.[5] At times, patients may not feel depressed, but rather lack energy to perform everyday activities.[9]
Various proximate causes have been proposed. One possibility is that SAD is related to a lack of serotonin, and serotonin polymorphisms could play a role in SAD,[11] although this has been disputed.[12] Mice incapable of turning serotonin into N-acetylserotonin (by Serotonin N-acetyltransferase) appear to express "depression-like" behavior, and antidepressants such as fluoxetine increase the amount of the enzyme Serotonin N-acetyltransferase, resulting in an antidepressant-like effect.[13] Another theory is that the cause may be related to melatonin which is produced in dim light and darkness by the pineal gland, since there are direct connections, via the retinohypothalamic tract and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, between the retina and the pineal gland.
Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder is a milder form of SAD experienced by an estimated 14.3% vs. 6.1% of the U.S. population.[14] The blue feeling experienced by both SAD and SSAD sufferers can usually be dampened or extinguished by exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, resulting in increased solar exposure.[15] Connections between human mood, as well as energy levels, and the seasons are well documented, even in healthy individuals.
Mutation of a gene expressing melanopsin has been implicated in the risk of having Seasonal Affective Disorder.[16]
[edit] Origin
In many species, activity is diminished during the winter months in response to the reduction in available food and the difficulties of surviving in cold weather. Hibernation is an extreme example, but even species that do not hibernate often exhibit changes in behavior during the winter. It has been argued that SAD is an evolved adaptation in humans that is a variant or remnant of a hibernation response in some remote ancestor. [17] Presumably, food was scarce during most of human prehistory, and a tendency toward low mood during the winter months would have been adaptive by reducing the need for calorie intake. The preponderance of women with SAD suggests that the response may also somehow regulate reproduction.[17]
If these interpretations are correct, SAD would not be a dysfunction or disorder as most psychiatrists assume, but rather a normal and expected response to seasonal changes.
[edit] Treatment
One type of light therapy lamp
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including bright light therapy, medication, ionized-air administration, cognitive-behavioral therapy and carefully timed supplementation[18] of the hormone melatonin.
Photoperiod-related alterations of the duration of melatonin secretion may affect the seasonal mood cycles of SAD. This suggests that light therapy may be an effective treatment for SAD.[19] Bright light therapy often includes the use of a lightbox which emits far more lumens than a customary incandescent lamp. White light, or "full spectrum" light is usually preferred, although blue light is also used.[20]
Lightbox therapy is effective at doses of 2500–10,000 lux,[14] with the patient sitting a prescribed distance, commonly 30–60 cm, in front of the box with her/his eyes open but not staring at the light source.[10] Most treatments use 30–60 minute treatments, however this may vary depending on the situation. Many patients use the light box in the morning, and there is evidence that morning light is superior to evening light, although people can respond to evening light as well.[21] Discovering the best schedule is essential. One study has shown that up to 69% of patients find the treatment inconvenient and as many as 19% stop use because of this.[10]
Dawn simulation has also proven to be effective; in some studies, there is an 83% better response when compared to other bright light therapy.[10] When compared in a study to negative air ionization, bright light was proven to be 57.1% effective vs. dawn simulation, 49.5%.[6] Patients using light therapy can experience improvement during the first week, but increased results are evident when continued throughout several weeks.[10] Most studies have found it effective without use year round, but rather as a seasonal treatment lasting for several weeks until frequent light exposure is naturally obtained.[9]
Light therapy can also consist of exposure to sunlight, either in the form of spending more time outside [22], or using a computer-controlled mirror device called a heliostat to reflect sunlight into the windows of a home or office.[23][24]
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants have proven effective in treating SAD. Bupropion is also effective as a prophylactic.[5] Effective antidepressants are fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine.[9][25] Both fluoxetine and light therapy are 67% effective in treating SAD according to direct head-to-head trials conducted during the 2006 CAN-SAD study.[26] Subjects using the light therapy protocol showed earlier clinical improvement, generally within one week of beginning the clinical treatment.[9]
Negative air ionization, which involves releasing charged particles into the sleep environment, has also been found effective with a 47.9% improvement if the negative ions are in sufficient density (quantity).[27][27][28][28][29][29] Depending upon the patient, one treatment (ie. lightbox) may be used in conjunction with another therapy (ie. medication).[9]
Modafinil may be also an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder/winter depression.[30]
Alfred J. Lewy of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OHSU, and others see the cause of SAD as a misalignment of the sleep-wake phase contra the period of the body clock, circadian rhythms out of synch, and treat it with melatonin in the afternoon. Correctly timed melatonin administration shifts the rhythms of several hormones en bloc.[31]
Another explanation is that vitamin D levels are too low when people do not get enough Ultraviolet-B on their skin. An alternative to using bright lights is to take vitamin D supplements.[32] [33] [34] [35] However, one study did not show a link between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms in elderly Chinese.[36]
[edit] Incidence
[edit] Nordic countries
Winter depression is a common slump in the mood of some inhabitants of most of the Nordic countries. It was first described by the 6th century Goth scholar Jordanes in his Getica wherein he described the inhabitants of Scandza (Scandinavia).[37] Iceland, however, seems to be an exception. A study of more than 2000 people there found the prevalence of seasonal affective disorder and seasonal changes in anxiety and depression to be unexpectedly low in both sexes.[38] The study's authors suggested that propensity for SAD may differ due to some genetic factor within the Icelandic population. A study of Canadians of wholly Icelandic descent also showed low levels of SAD.[39] It has more recently been suggested that this may be attributed to the large amount of fish traditionally eaten by Icelandic people, 225 lb per person per year as opposed to about 50 lb in the US and Canada, rather than to genetics.[40] Fish is high in vitamin D. Fish also contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been shown to help with a variety of neurological dysfunction.[41]
[edit] Other countries
In the United States, a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder was first proposed by Norman E. Rosenthal, MD in 1984. Rosenthal wondered why he became sluggish during the winter after moving from sunny South Africa to New York. He started experimenting increasing exposure to artificial light, and found this made a difference. In Alaska it has been established that there is a SAD rate of 8.9%, and an even greater rate of 24.9%[42] for subsyndromal SAD. American science fiction-fantasy author Barbara Hambly had undiagnosed SAD for many years and speaks freely about her condition.[43]
Around 20% of Irish people are affected by SAD, according to a survey conducted in 2007. The survey also shows women are more likely to be affected by SAD than men.[44] An estimated 10% of the population in the Netherlands suffers from SAD.[45]
[edit] SAD and bipolar
Most people with SAD experience major depressive disorder, but as many as 20% may have or may go on to develop a bipolar disorder, a manic-depressive disorder. It is important to discriminate the improved mood associated with recovery from the winter depression and a manic episode because there are important treatment differences.[46] In these cases, persons with SAD may experience depression during the winter and hypomania in the summer.
[edit] See also
Circadian rhythm sleep disorder
Depression (mood)
Social anxiety disorder
Vitamin D
[edit] References
^ Seasonal Depression can Accompany Summer Sun. Ivry, Sara. The New York Times. Retrieved September 6, 2008
^ Lurie, Stephen J.; et al. (November 2006). "Seasonal Affective Disorder". American Family Physician (American Academy of Family Physicians) 74 (9): 1521–4. PMID 17111890. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20061101/1521.html. Retrieved 2009-07-26.
^ U.S. National Library of Medicine
^ a b c Seasonal Affective Disorder by Mayo Clinic
^ a b c d Modell, Jack; Rosenthal NE, Harriett AE, Krishen A, Asgharian A, Foster VJ, Metz A, Rockett CB, Wightman DS (2005). "Seasonal affective disorder and its prevention by anticipatory treatment with bupropion XL Biological Psychiatry". Biological psychiatry 58 (8): 658–667. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.07.021. PMID 16271314.
^ a b Terman, M.; Terman, J.S. (2006). "Controlled Trial of Naturalistic Dawn Simulation and Negative Air Ionization for Seasonal Affective Disorder". American Journal of Psychiatry 163 (12): 2126–2133. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.12.2126. 17151164. PMID 17151164.
^ "Properly Timed Light, Melatonin Lift Winter Depression by Syncing Rhythms" (Science Update). National Institute of Mental Health. 2006-05-01. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2006/properly-timed-light-melatonin-lift-winter-depression-by-syncing-rhythms.shtml. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
^ Gabbard, Glen O. Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders (Third edition, Volume 2 ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 1296.
^ a b c d e f Lam, RW; Levitt AJ, Levitan RD, Enns MW, Morehouse R, Michalak EE, Tam EM (2006). "The Can-SAD Study: a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of light therapy and fluoxetine in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder". American Journal of Psychiatry 163 (5): 805–812. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.5.805. PMID 16648320.
^ a b c d e Avery, D H; Eder DN, Bolte MA, Hellekson CJ, Dunner DL, Vitiello MV, Prinz PN (2001). "Dawn simulation and bright light in the treatment of SAD: a controlled study". Biological Psychiatry 50 (3): 205–216. doi:10.1016/S0006-3223(01)01200-8. PMID 11513820.
^ Johansson, C; Smedh C, Partonen T, Pekkarinen P, Paunio T, Ekholm J, Peltonen L,Lichtermann D, Palmgren J, Adolfsson R, Schalling M (2001). "Seasonal affective disorder and serotonin-related polymorphisms". Neurobiology of Disease 8 (2): 351–357. doi:10.1006/nbdi.2000.0373. PMID 11300730.
^ Johansson, C; Willeit M, Levitan R, Partonen T, Smedh C, Del Favero J, Bel Kacem S, Praschak-Rieder N,Neumeister A, Masellis M, Basile V, Zill P, Bondy B, Paunio T, Kasper S, Van Broeckhoven C, Nilsson LG,Lam R, Schalling M, Adolfsson R. (2003). "The serotonin transporter promoter repeat length polymorphism, seasonal affective disorder and seasonality". Psychological Medicine 33 (5): 785–792. doi:10.1017/S0033291703007372. PMID 12877393.
^ Uz, T; Manev, H (2001). "Prolonged swim-test immobility of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT)-mutant mice". Journal of Pineal Research 30 (3): 166–170. doi:10.1034/j.1600-079X.2001.300305.x. PMID 11316327.
^ a b Avery, D. H.; Kizer D, Bolte MA, Hellekson C (2001). "Bright light therapy of subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder in the workplace: morning vs. afternoon exposure". Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 103 (4): 267–274. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.00078.x. PMID 11328240.
^ Leppämäki, Sami; Haukka J, Lonnqvist J, Partonen T (2004). "Drop-out and mood improvement: a randomised controlled trial with light exposure and physical exercise". BMC Psychiatry 4 (22): 22. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-4-22. PMID 15306031.
^ "Breakthroughs tips and trends: November 7th - Times Online". www.timesonline.co.uk. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5106718.ece. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
^ a b Nesse, Randolphe M; Williams, George C. Why We Get Sick (First ed.). New York: Vintage Books. pp. 290.
^ Bhattacharjee, Y (2007). "Psychiatric research. Is internal timing key to mental health?". Science (New York, N.Y.) 317 (5844): 1488–90. doi:10.1126/science.317.5844.1488. PMID 17872420. http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/academic/som/images/Al-Lewy-Science.pdf.
^ Howland, RH (2009). "Somatic therapies for seasonal affective disorder.". J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 47 (1): 17-20. PMID 19227105.
^ Strong, RE; Marchant, BK; Reimherr, FW; Williams, E; Soni, P; Mestas, R (2009). "Narrow-band blue-light treatment of seasonal affective disorder in adults and the influence of additional nonseasonal symptoms.". Depress Anxiety. 26 (3): 273-8. PMID 19016463. "BROKEN/DEAD LINK".
^ Tuunainen, Arja; Kripke, Daniel F; Endo, Takuro; Tuunainen, Arja (2004). Light therapy for non-seasonal depression. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004050.pub2.
^ Beck, Melinda. (December 1, 2009) "Bright Ideas for Treating the Winter Blues". (Section title: "Exercise outdoors") The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703300504574567881192085174.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular
^ "Applications: Health". Practical Solar. http://www.practicalsolar.com/applications.html. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
^ "Grab the Sun With Heliostats". New York House. 2009-06-01. http://www.newyorkhousemagazine.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home_main_top&id=2631630&widget=push&instance=home_green_future&article-Grab%20the%20Sun%20With%20Heliostats%20=&open=&. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
^ Moscovitch, A; Blashko CA, Eagles JM, Darcourt G, Thompson C, Kasper S, Lane RM (2004). "A placebo-controlled study of sertraline in the treatment of outpatients with seasonal affective disorder". Psychopharmacology 171 (4): 390–397. doi:10.1007/s00213-003-1594-8. PMID 14504682.
^ Lam, Raymond W.; Anthony J. Levitt, Robert D. Levitan, et al. (May 2006). "The Can-SAD Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Light Therapy and Fluoxetine in Patients With Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder" (PDF, full text). Am J Psychiatry 163 (163): 805–812. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.5.805. http://day-lights.com/light-therapy-news/downloads/can-sad-study-wp.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
^ a b Terman, M.; Terman, J. S. (2006). "Controlled Trial of Naturalistic Dawn Simulation and Negative Air Ionization for Seasonal Affective Disorder". American Journal of Psychiatry 163: 2126. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.12.2126.
^ a b Terman, M. (1998). "A Controlled Trial of Timed Bright Light and Negative Air Ionization for Treatment of Winter Depression". Archives of General Psychiatry 55: 875. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.55.10.875 (inactive 2009-10-07).
^ a b Terman, M; Terman, JS (1995). "Treatment of seasonal affective disorder with a high-output negative ionizer.". Journal of alternative and complementary medicine 1 (1): 87–92. doi:10.1089/acm.1995.1.87. PMID 9395604.
^ Lundt, L (2004). "Modafinil treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder/winter depression: an open-label pilot study". Journal of Affective Disorders 81: 173. doi:10.1016/S0165-0327(03)00162-9.
^ Bhattacharjee, Y (2007). "Psychiatric research. Is internal timing key to mental health?". Science (New York, N.Y.) 317 (5844): 1488–90. doi:10.1126/science.317.5844.1488. PMID 17872420. http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/academic/som/images/Al-Lewy-Science.pdf.
^ http://newfoundlandnews.blogspot.com/2008/01/sadness-seasonal-affective-disorder.html
^ http://www.nowfoods.com/M092051.htm "Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Low Mood State and Lowered Intellectual Ability in Elderly" 2006
^ Lansdowne, AT; Provost, SC (1998). "Vitamin D3 enhances mood in healthy subjects during winter.". Psychopharmacology 135 (4): 319–23. doi:10.1007/s002130050517. PMID 9539254.
^ Gloth Fm, 3rd; Alam, W; Hollis, B (1999). "Vitamin D vs broad spectrum phototherapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.". The journal of nutrition, health & aging 3 (1): 5–7. PMID 10888476.
^ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317142847.htm "Vitamin D May Not Be The Answer To Feeling SAD" Mar 2009
^ Jordanes, Getica, ed. Mommsen, Mon. Germanae historica, V, Berlin, 1882.
^ Magnusson, Andres; Axelsson, Johann; Karlsson, Mikael M.; Oskarsson, Högni (February 2000). "Lack of Seasonal Mood Change in the Icelandic Population: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study". Am J Psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association) 157 (2): 234–238. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.157.2.234. PMID 10671392. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/157/2/234. Retrieved 2007-11-27.
^ sson A, Magnú Axelsson J (1993). "The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder is low among descendants of Icelandic emigrants in Canada". Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 50 (12): 947–51. PMID 8250680.
^ Cott, Jerry; Joseph R. Hibbeln (February 2001). "Lack of Seasonal Mood Change in Icelanders" (Letter to the Editor). Am J Psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association) 158 (158): 328. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.158.2.328. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/158/2/328. Retrieved 2008-09-02. "Thus, high levels of fish consumption should be considered a potential etiology for the finding of a lack of seasonal affective disorder among the Icelandic population.".
^ Horrocks, LA; Yeo, YK (1999). "Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)". Pharmacological research : the official journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society 40 (3): 211–25. doi:10.1006/phrs.1999.0495. PMID 10479465.
^ Seasonal Affective Disorder and Latitude
^ [ http://www.andromedaspaceways.com/inter_0002.htm Andromeda Spaceways interview with Barbara Hambly, discusses SAD]
^ BreakingNews.ie - One in five suffers from SAD
^ Elsevier – Dark Days: Winter Depression (in Dutch, easy to translate to English with google translate (or anything like that)
^ "Depression" (PDF). Mood Disorders Society of Canada. http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/documents/Consumer%20and%20Family%20Support/Depression.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
[edit] External links
Seasonal Affective Disorder at the Open Directory Project
Seasonal Affective Disorder – The Basics on ScienceBlogsHia
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder"
The US National Library of Medicine notes that "some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. They may sleep too much, have little energy, and crave sweets and starchy foods. They may also feel depressed. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up."[3] The condition in the summer is often referred to as Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder, and can also include heightened anxiety.[4] It has been estimated that 1.5-9% of adults in the US experience SAD.[5]
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration,[6] and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin.[7]
Contents[hide]
1 Symptoms
2 Diagnostic criteria
3 Physiology
4 Origin
5 Treatment
6 Incidence
6.1 Nordic countries
6.2 Other countries
7 SAD and bipolar
8 See also
9 References
10 External links
//
[edit] Symptoms
Symptoms of SAD may consist of: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating on completing tasks, and withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities. All of this leads to the depression, pessimism, and lack of pleasure which characterize a person suffering from this disorder.
People that experience Reverse SAD (spring and summer depression) show symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, weight loss, and an increased sex drive.[4] RSAD can also manifest depression, which makes it difficult to diagnose this rare affliction.
[edit] Diagnostic criteria
According to the American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV,[8] criteria, Seasonal Affective disorder is not regarded as a separate disorder, but is called a 'course specifier' and may be applied as an added description to the pattern of Major Depressive Episodes in patients with Major Depressive Disorder or patients with Bipolar Disorder. The Seasonal Pattern Specifier must meet four criteria: depressive episodes at a particular time of the year; remissions or mania/hypomania also at a characteristic time of year; these patterns must have lasted two years with no nonseasonal major depressive episodes during that same period; and these seasonal depressive episodes outnumber other depressive episodes throughout the patient's lifetime. The Mayo Clinic[4] describes three types of Seasonal Affective Disorder, each with its own set of symptoms.
[edit] Physiology
Seasonal mood variations are believed to be related to light. An argument for this view is the effectiveness of bright-light therapy.[9] SAD is measurably present at latitudes in the Arctic region, such as Finland (64º 00´N) where the rate of SAD is 9.5%[10] Cloud cover may contribute to the negative effects of SAD.[5]
The symptoms of SAD mimic those of dysthymia or clinical depression. There is also potential risk of suicide in some patients experiencing SAD. One study reports 6-35% of sufferers required hospitalization during one period of illness.[5] At times, patients may not feel depressed, but rather lack energy to perform everyday activities.[9]
Various proximate causes have been proposed. One possibility is that SAD is related to a lack of serotonin, and serotonin polymorphisms could play a role in SAD,[11] although this has been disputed.[12] Mice incapable of turning serotonin into N-acetylserotonin (by Serotonin N-acetyltransferase) appear to express "depression-like" behavior, and antidepressants such as fluoxetine increase the amount of the enzyme Serotonin N-acetyltransferase, resulting in an antidepressant-like effect.[13] Another theory is that the cause may be related to melatonin which is produced in dim light and darkness by the pineal gland, since there are direct connections, via the retinohypothalamic tract and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, between the retina and the pineal gland.
Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder is a milder form of SAD experienced by an estimated 14.3% vs. 6.1% of the U.S. population.[14] The blue feeling experienced by both SAD and SSAD sufferers can usually be dampened or extinguished by exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, resulting in increased solar exposure.[15] Connections between human mood, as well as energy levels, and the seasons are well documented, even in healthy individuals.
Mutation of a gene expressing melanopsin has been implicated in the risk of having Seasonal Affective Disorder.[16]
[edit] Origin
In many species, activity is diminished during the winter months in response to the reduction in available food and the difficulties of surviving in cold weather. Hibernation is an extreme example, but even species that do not hibernate often exhibit changes in behavior during the winter. It has been argued that SAD is an evolved adaptation in humans that is a variant or remnant of a hibernation response in some remote ancestor. [17] Presumably, food was scarce during most of human prehistory, and a tendency toward low mood during the winter months would have been adaptive by reducing the need for calorie intake. The preponderance of women with SAD suggests that the response may also somehow regulate reproduction.[17]
If these interpretations are correct, SAD would not be a dysfunction or disorder as most psychiatrists assume, but rather a normal and expected response to seasonal changes.
[edit] Treatment
One type of light therapy lamp
There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including bright light therapy, medication, ionized-air administration, cognitive-behavioral therapy and carefully timed supplementation[18] of the hormone melatonin.
Photoperiod-related alterations of the duration of melatonin secretion may affect the seasonal mood cycles of SAD. This suggests that light therapy may be an effective treatment for SAD.[19] Bright light therapy often includes the use of a lightbox which emits far more lumens than a customary incandescent lamp. White light, or "full spectrum" light is usually preferred, although blue light is also used.[20]
Lightbox therapy is effective at doses of 2500–10,000 lux,[14] with the patient sitting a prescribed distance, commonly 30–60 cm, in front of the box with her/his eyes open but not staring at the light source.[10] Most treatments use 30–60 minute treatments, however this may vary depending on the situation. Many patients use the light box in the morning, and there is evidence that morning light is superior to evening light, although people can respond to evening light as well.[21] Discovering the best schedule is essential. One study has shown that up to 69% of patients find the treatment inconvenient and as many as 19% stop use because of this.[10]
Dawn simulation has also proven to be effective; in some studies, there is an 83% better response when compared to other bright light therapy.[10] When compared in a study to negative air ionization, bright light was proven to be 57.1% effective vs. dawn simulation, 49.5%.[6] Patients using light therapy can experience improvement during the first week, but increased results are evident when continued throughout several weeks.[10] Most studies have found it effective without use year round, but rather as a seasonal treatment lasting for several weeks until frequent light exposure is naturally obtained.[9]
Light therapy can also consist of exposure to sunlight, either in the form of spending more time outside [22], or using a computer-controlled mirror device called a heliostat to reflect sunlight into the windows of a home or office.[23][24]
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants have proven effective in treating SAD. Bupropion is also effective as a prophylactic.[5] Effective antidepressants are fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine.[9][25] Both fluoxetine and light therapy are 67% effective in treating SAD according to direct head-to-head trials conducted during the 2006 CAN-SAD study.[26] Subjects using the light therapy protocol showed earlier clinical improvement, generally within one week of beginning the clinical treatment.[9]
Negative air ionization, which involves releasing charged particles into the sleep environment, has also been found effective with a 47.9% improvement if the negative ions are in sufficient density (quantity).[27][27][28][28][29][29] Depending upon the patient, one treatment (ie. lightbox) may be used in conjunction with another therapy (ie. medication).[9]
Modafinil may be also an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder/winter depression.[30]
Alfred J. Lewy of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OHSU, and others see the cause of SAD as a misalignment of the sleep-wake phase contra the period of the body clock, circadian rhythms out of synch, and treat it with melatonin in the afternoon. Correctly timed melatonin administration shifts the rhythms of several hormones en bloc.[31]
Another explanation is that vitamin D levels are too low when people do not get enough Ultraviolet-B on their skin. An alternative to using bright lights is to take vitamin D supplements.[32] [33] [34] [35] However, one study did not show a link between vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms in elderly Chinese.[36]
[edit] Incidence
[edit] Nordic countries
Winter depression is a common slump in the mood of some inhabitants of most of the Nordic countries. It was first described by the 6th century Goth scholar Jordanes in his Getica wherein he described the inhabitants of Scandza (Scandinavia).[37] Iceland, however, seems to be an exception. A study of more than 2000 people there found the prevalence of seasonal affective disorder and seasonal changes in anxiety and depression to be unexpectedly low in both sexes.[38] The study's authors suggested that propensity for SAD may differ due to some genetic factor within the Icelandic population. A study of Canadians of wholly Icelandic descent also showed low levels of SAD.[39] It has more recently been suggested that this may be attributed to the large amount of fish traditionally eaten by Icelandic people, 225 lb per person per year as opposed to about 50 lb in the US and Canada, rather than to genetics.[40] Fish is high in vitamin D. Fish also contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been shown to help with a variety of neurological dysfunction.[41]
[edit] Other countries
In the United States, a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder was first proposed by Norman E. Rosenthal, MD in 1984. Rosenthal wondered why he became sluggish during the winter after moving from sunny South Africa to New York. He started experimenting increasing exposure to artificial light, and found this made a difference. In Alaska it has been established that there is a SAD rate of 8.9%, and an even greater rate of 24.9%[42] for subsyndromal SAD. American science fiction-fantasy author Barbara Hambly had undiagnosed SAD for many years and speaks freely about her condition.[43]
Around 20% of Irish people are affected by SAD, according to a survey conducted in 2007. The survey also shows women are more likely to be affected by SAD than men.[44] An estimated 10% of the population in the Netherlands suffers from SAD.[45]
[edit] SAD and bipolar
Most people with SAD experience major depressive disorder, but as many as 20% may have or may go on to develop a bipolar disorder, a manic-depressive disorder. It is important to discriminate the improved mood associated with recovery from the winter depression and a manic episode because there are important treatment differences.[46] In these cases, persons with SAD may experience depression during the winter and hypomania in the summer.
[edit] See also
Circadian rhythm sleep disorder
Depression (mood)
Social anxiety disorder
Vitamin D
[edit] References
^ Seasonal Depression can Accompany Summer Sun. Ivry, Sara. The New York Times. Retrieved September 6, 2008
^ Lurie, Stephen J.; et al. (November 2006). "Seasonal Affective Disorder". American Family Physician (American Academy of Family Physicians) 74 (9): 1521–4. PMID 17111890. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20061101/1521.html. Retrieved 2009-07-26.
^ U.S. National Library of Medicine
^ a b c Seasonal Affective Disorder by Mayo Clinic
^ a b c d Modell, Jack; Rosenthal NE, Harriett AE, Krishen A, Asgharian A, Foster VJ, Metz A, Rockett CB, Wightman DS (2005). "Seasonal affective disorder and its prevention by anticipatory treatment with bupropion XL Biological Psychiatry". Biological psychiatry 58 (8): 658–667. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.07.021. PMID 16271314.
^ a b Terman, M.; Terman, J.S. (2006). "Controlled Trial of Naturalistic Dawn Simulation and Negative Air Ionization for Seasonal Affective Disorder". American Journal of Psychiatry 163 (12): 2126–2133. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.12.2126. 17151164. PMID 17151164.
^ "Properly Timed Light, Melatonin Lift Winter Depression by Syncing Rhythms" (Science Update). National Institute of Mental Health. 2006-05-01. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2006/properly-timed-light-melatonin-lift-winter-depression-by-syncing-rhythms.shtml. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
^ Gabbard, Glen O. Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders (Third edition, Volume 2 ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 1296.
^ a b c d e f Lam, RW; Levitt AJ, Levitan RD, Enns MW, Morehouse R, Michalak EE, Tam EM (2006). "The Can-SAD Study: a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of light therapy and fluoxetine in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder". American Journal of Psychiatry 163 (5): 805–812. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.5.805. PMID 16648320.
^ a b c d e Avery, D H; Eder DN, Bolte MA, Hellekson CJ, Dunner DL, Vitiello MV, Prinz PN (2001). "Dawn simulation and bright light in the treatment of SAD: a controlled study". Biological Psychiatry 50 (3): 205–216. doi:10.1016/S0006-3223(01)01200-8. PMID 11513820.
^ Johansson, C; Smedh C, Partonen T, Pekkarinen P, Paunio T, Ekholm J, Peltonen L,Lichtermann D, Palmgren J, Adolfsson R, Schalling M (2001). "Seasonal affective disorder and serotonin-related polymorphisms". Neurobiology of Disease 8 (2): 351–357. doi:10.1006/nbdi.2000.0373. PMID 11300730.
^ Johansson, C; Willeit M, Levitan R, Partonen T, Smedh C, Del Favero J, Bel Kacem S, Praschak-Rieder N,Neumeister A, Masellis M, Basile V, Zill P, Bondy B, Paunio T, Kasper S, Van Broeckhoven C, Nilsson LG,Lam R, Schalling M, Adolfsson R. (2003). "The serotonin transporter promoter repeat length polymorphism, seasonal affective disorder and seasonality". Psychological Medicine 33 (5): 785–792. doi:10.1017/S0033291703007372. PMID 12877393.
^ Uz, T; Manev, H (2001). "Prolonged swim-test immobility of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT)-mutant mice". Journal of Pineal Research 30 (3): 166–170. doi:10.1034/j.1600-079X.2001.300305.x. PMID 11316327.
^ a b Avery, D. H.; Kizer D, Bolte MA, Hellekson C (2001). "Bright light therapy of subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder in the workplace: morning vs. afternoon exposure". Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 103 (4): 267–274. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.00078.x. PMID 11328240.
^ Leppämäki, Sami; Haukka J, Lonnqvist J, Partonen T (2004). "Drop-out and mood improvement: a randomised controlled trial with light exposure and physical exercise". BMC Psychiatry 4 (22): 22. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-4-22. PMID 15306031.
^ "Breakthroughs tips and trends: November 7th - Times Online". www.timesonline.co.uk. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5106718.ece. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
^ a b Nesse, Randolphe M; Williams, George C. Why We Get Sick (First ed.). New York: Vintage Books. pp. 290.
^ Bhattacharjee, Y (2007). "Psychiatric research. Is internal timing key to mental health?". Science (New York, N.Y.) 317 (5844): 1488–90. doi:10.1126/science.317.5844.1488. PMID 17872420. http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/academic/som/images/Al-Lewy-Science.pdf.
^ Howland, RH (2009). "Somatic therapies for seasonal affective disorder.". J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 47 (1): 17-20. PMID 19227105.
^ Strong, RE; Marchant, BK; Reimherr, FW; Williams, E; Soni, P; Mestas, R (2009). "Narrow-band blue-light treatment of seasonal affective disorder in adults and the influence of additional nonseasonal symptoms.". Depress Anxiety. 26 (3): 273-8. PMID 19016463. "BROKEN/DEAD LINK".
^ Tuunainen, Arja; Kripke, Daniel F; Endo, Takuro; Tuunainen, Arja (2004). Light therapy for non-seasonal depression. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004050.pub2.
^ Beck, Melinda. (December 1, 2009) "Bright Ideas for Treating the Winter Blues". (Section title: "Exercise outdoors") The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703300504574567881192085174.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular
^ "Applications: Health". Practical Solar. http://www.practicalsolar.com/applications.html. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
^ "Grab the Sun With Heliostats". New York House. 2009-06-01. http://www.newyorkhousemagazine.com/pages/full_story?page_label=home_main_top&id=2631630&widget=push&instance=home_green_future&article-Grab%20the%20Sun%20With%20Heliostats%20=&open=&. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
^ Moscovitch, A; Blashko CA, Eagles JM, Darcourt G, Thompson C, Kasper S, Lane RM (2004). "A placebo-controlled study of sertraline in the treatment of outpatients with seasonal affective disorder". Psychopharmacology 171 (4): 390–397. doi:10.1007/s00213-003-1594-8. PMID 14504682.
^ Lam, Raymond W.; Anthony J. Levitt, Robert D. Levitan, et al. (May 2006). "The Can-SAD Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Light Therapy and Fluoxetine in Patients With Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder" (PDF, full text). Am J Psychiatry 163 (163): 805–812. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.5.805. http://day-lights.com/light-therapy-news/downloads/can-sad-study-wp.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
^ a b Terman, M.; Terman, J. S. (2006). "Controlled Trial of Naturalistic Dawn Simulation and Negative Air Ionization for Seasonal Affective Disorder". American Journal of Psychiatry 163: 2126. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.163.12.2126.
^ a b Terman, M. (1998). "A Controlled Trial of Timed Bright Light and Negative Air Ionization for Treatment of Winter Depression". Archives of General Psychiatry 55: 875. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.55.10.875 (inactive 2009-10-07).
^ a b Terman, M; Terman, JS (1995). "Treatment of seasonal affective disorder with a high-output negative ionizer.". Journal of alternative and complementary medicine 1 (1): 87–92. doi:10.1089/acm.1995.1.87. PMID 9395604.
^ Lundt, L (2004). "Modafinil treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder/winter depression: an open-label pilot study". Journal of Affective Disorders 81: 173. doi:10.1016/S0165-0327(03)00162-9.
^ Bhattacharjee, Y (2007). "Psychiatric research. Is internal timing key to mental health?". Science (New York, N.Y.) 317 (5844): 1488–90. doi:10.1126/science.317.5844.1488. PMID 17872420. http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/academic/som/images/Al-Lewy-Science.pdf.
^ http://newfoundlandnews.blogspot.com/2008/01/sadness-seasonal-affective-disorder.html
^ http://www.nowfoods.com/M092051.htm "Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Low Mood State and Lowered Intellectual Ability in Elderly" 2006
^ Lansdowne, AT; Provost, SC (1998). "Vitamin D3 enhances mood in healthy subjects during winter.". Psychopharmacology 135 (4): 319–23. doi:10.1007/s002130050517. PMID 9539254.
^ Gloth Fm, 3rd; Alam, W; Hollis, B (1999). "Vitamin D vs broad spectrum phototherapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.". The journal of nutrition, health & aging 3 (1): 5–7. PMID 10888476.
^ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317142847.htm "Vitamin D May Not Be The Answer To Feeling SAD" Mar 2009
^ Jordanes, Getica, ed. Mommsen, Mon. Germanae historica, V, Berlin, 1882.
^ Magnusson, Andres; Axelsson, Johann; Karlsson, Mikael M.; Oskarsson, Högni (February 2000). "Lack of Seasonal Mood Change in the Icelandic Population: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study". Am J Psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association) 157 (2): 234–238. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.157.2.234. PMID 10671392. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/157/2/234. Retrieved 2007-11-27.
^ sson A, Magnú Axelsson J (1993). "The prevalence of seasonal affective disorder is low among descendants of Icelandic emigrants in Canada". Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 50 (12): 947–51. PMID 8250680.
^ Cott, Jerry; Joseph R. Hibbeln (February 2001). "Lack of Seasonal Mood Change in Icelanders" (Letter to the Editor). Am J Psychiatry (American Psychiatric Association) 158 (158): 328. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.158.2.328. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/158/2/328. Retrieved 2008-09-02. "Thus, high levels of fish consumption should be considered a potential etiology for the finding of a lack of seasonal affective disorder among the Icelandic population.".
^ Horrocks, LA; Yeo, YK (1999). "Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)". Pharmacological research : the official journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society 40 (3): 211–25. doi:10.1006/phrs.1999.0495. PMID 10479465.
^ Seasonal Affective Disorder and Latitude
^ [ http://www.andromedaspaceways.com/inter_0002.htm Andromeda Spaceways interview with Barbara Hambly, discusses SAD]
^ BreakingNews.ie - One in five suffers from SAD
^ Elsevier – Dark Days: Winter Depression (in Dutch, easy to translate to English with google translate (or anything like that)
^ "Depression" (PDF). Mood Disorders Society of Canada. http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/documents/Consumer%20and%20Family%20Support/Depression.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
[edit] External links
Seasonal Affective Disorder at the Open Directory Project
Seasonal Affective Disorder – The Basics on ScienceBlogsHia
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder"
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