Addictive disease: a focus on alcohol use disorders

Overview of alcohol abuse Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are patterns of drinking that cause distress and impairment that may or may not be alcohol dependence. (http://www.dsm5.org/documents/substance%20use%20disorder%20fact%20sheet.pdf) In the United States, 16.6 million adults were diagnosed with an AUD in 2013, including 10.8 million men and 5.8 million women. Of those, 1.3 million received treatment in…

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Light therapy and proposed mechanisms of action

Overview This article is for educational purposes; this is not a substitute for medical evaluation, professional diagnosis, or treatment recommendations by a provider. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD or SADS) is a mood disorder with a seasonal pattern, most commonly occurring during the winter months. The disorder is prevalent worldwide, and SAD is distinct from the…