Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD affects the quality of life for the person suffering from the condition and for their family. Symptoms usually appear in the fall and last through the winter. SAD symptom include depression, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, lack of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, loss of interest in activities, appetite changes, craving for carbohydrates, weight gain and trouble concentrating.
What causes seasonal affective disorder is not completely understood, but the theory is that people who live far from the equator are affected by the lack of sunshine during the winter months. The lack of sunshine can cause a drop in the brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, serotonin. The drop in serotonin may be a factor in the depression that occurs in the person with SAD.
Since the cause of SAD is believed to be related to lack of sunlight, one of the top treatments is light therapy. People with SAD should be encouraged to get outside, into the daylight, as much as possible. Even if the sun is not shining outdoor light can help life depression. During the coldest months it may be more difficult to get out into the weather, but on milder days a walk outdoors can help lift the mood.
Physical condition and/or weather may prevent walking or other outdoor activities. Taking a drive in the car during the daylight may help elevate the mood. Get out of the house, or office, and take a drive in the car. Try to get out and do errands during the daylight so your eyes are able to get some light. I have even heard that you should not wear sunglasses, as they block the mood lifting daylight from reaching the eyes.
Brighten the indoor environment by opening window blinds and curtains. If there are any branches blocking the sunlight from the windows they should be trimmed. Light surfaces in the home help to reflect the light and make the home look brighter.
Full spectrum light bulbs, such as Verilux, offer a more natural light for the home. Replace light bulbs with full spectrum lighting. If you do not want to do it all at once, replace old bulbs with full spectrum lighting as the old bulbs burn out.
A light therapy box can be purchased without a prescription. The light therapy box gives off a bright light that emulates natural light; Sitting near the light therapy box is believed to help alter brain chemicals and relieve the symptoms of SAD. Light therapy is not a FDA approved treatment, but may be effective.
Physical exercise helps to relieve the stress and anxiety that can aggravate seasonal affective disorder . Try to get out and take a walk every day to get daylight and exercise. If the cold and snow prevent outdoor walking outdoors, consider joining a health club or taking a walk in a shopping mall or store.
Alternative treatments for SAD include dietary supplements and mind-body therapies. Supplements that may help with depression include St. John's Wort, SAMe, Melatonin and Omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements may interact with other medications, so talk to your doctor before starting to take supplements. Mind -body therapies that may help lift depression include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, guided imagery and massage therapy.
A doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to relieve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Talk to your physician to learn whether an antidepressant medication is appropriate for your condition.
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder may be relieved by exposure to more daylight, light therapy, nutrition, supplements, mind body therapies, psychotherapy, exercise and medication. Talk to your doctor about which treatments may be the most effective for you.
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, please consult a physician.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic
Web MD
Personal experience
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Published by Christine Bude Nyholm
With over 5 million pages views Christine is one of the top 100 AC Contributors and Won Best of AC for Winter Travel Guides in 2008 and Best of Alternative Health in 2009. Christine's article Shop Around for... View profile
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