When most people think of ultrasounds, they think of pregnancy and the exams involving sonography to view a fetus.  However, ultrasound technician degrees and study cover many other areas then just the belly.  One common place an ultrasound may be used is on the brain.  In todays blog we will talk a little about seasonal affective disorder.  Commonly know as SAD, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression in which mood changes occur according to the season.  The cause is not known, although it is thought that the changes in daylight levels may cause alterations in brain chemisty that affect mood.  Typically the onset of winter brings depression, fatigue, lack of energy, cravings for sugary and starchy food, weight gain anxiety and irritability.  These symptoms often causes individuals to withdraw from social activities.  The symptoms then spontaneously clear up with the coming of spring.  SAD can usually be treated with daily light therapy or antidepressants.

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