Seasonal affective disorder is a type of clinical depression that lasts longer than usual and comes and goes with the seasons. While it is not a form of suicide, it is a medical condition that can make you feel hopeless. Learn the signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and how to deal with them.
Serotonin
Serotonin is a hormone in the body that is naturally low in winter and high in summer and fall. It affects our mood and is, linked to seasonal affective disorder, which affects one in six people living in northern latitudes. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. People with SAD may need to take medications to increase their serotonin levels. One of these medications is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Other treatments may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
In the body, serotonin is, synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. It is, found in all vertebrates, including humans, as well as some invertebrates. In humans, serotonin is produced in EC cells in the gut, where it is metabolized and secreted. It then travels to the brain where it binds to matching receptor sites and triggers a new action potential. Because serotonin is not produced in the brain directly, it must be synthesized from tryptophan.
The monoamine hypothesis of depression states that synaptic serotonin is low during major depressive episodes. In animal studies, dietary tryptophan depletion causes a 30-60% decrease in brain serotonin content. It has also been found that dietary tryptophan deficiency causes the transient reappearance of depressive symptoms in remitted patients.
There are many foods rich in tryptophan. Eating foods such as turkey, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds can increase serotonin levels. These foods also contain B vitamins, which are essential for the health of the brain.
Reduced sunlight
The reduced sunlight during the winter months can affect the body’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and sleep. Serotonin levels also have an impact on appetite, memory, and sexual desire. When they are low, people experience a lowered quality of life.
Reduced sunlight can also affect the production of another brain chemical, melatonin. Melatonin affects our mood and sleep patterns, and when melatonin levels are low, people with SAD may experience sluggishness and negative thoughts. The decreased sunlight makes it difficult for people with SAD to sleep.
Research has shown that reduced sunlight and shorter days are, linked to SAD. However, it is not entirely clear why the reduced sunlight causes SAD. The condition is often hereditary and may run in families. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this condition, including medications, lightbox therapy, and lifestyle changes.
People living in northern latitudes are more susceptible to SAD than people living in southern regions. However, SAD is, not limited to people in the northern hemisphere. The condition can affect as many as one in every 20 people in the northern U.S. The key to managing SAD is understanding the symptoms of the illness. The symptoms can be treated through lifestyle changes such as increasing the amount of outdoor time or using light therapy.
Increasing exposure to natural light is an excellent way to fight off the symptoms of winter SAD. By increasing daylight in the winter months, one can enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle and improve their mood. Other measures can include increasing the amount of sunshine in the home and taking a vitamin D supplement. Ultimately, exposure to sunlight can reduce symptoms, but it must be continued every day. If you begin treatment early, it can even prevent the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common condition, characterized by a decrease in serotonin levels in the brain. These chemicals are, involved in regulating our mood and sleep patterns. Decreased sunlight causes these levels to drop, which in turn causes the mood to become depressed. Younger adults and women are more likely to develop this condition than men.
The symptoms of SAD tend to increase in severity in the fall and winter months. The severity of the symptoms varies from mild “winter blues” to incapacitating. In severe cases, the sufferer may have thoughts of suicide, lose their appetite, and become physically ill. This condition is, typically diagnosed through a clinical interview and self-report. Treatment options for seasonal affective disorder include antidepressant medications, light therapy, and counseling.
If you have symptoms of SAD, you should seek treatment immediately. You can contact your PCP or insurance company to find a mental health specialist. You can also speak with your school psychologist or contact a local mental health center. Whenever possible, seek treatment early in the season. Waiting until late in the season will only make the treatment process harder.
Although it can occur in younger adults, SAD is more common in women. The symptoms may be mild or severe, and may occur at any age. There is, no known cause for the condition, but it’s, correlated with a lack of sunlight in winter. People with SAD often suffer from a mild form of winter blues, which makes them feel sad and sleepy during the winter months.
While the symptoms of SAD are, typically associated with the amount of sunlight available, many people experience symptoms in the summer months as well. Changes in the hours of sunlight affect the body’s natural production of melatonin, which influences mood.
Treatments
Treatments for seasonal affective disorder can involve changing your environment. It’s possible to position your furniture toward natural light, which affects your body’s response to seasons. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to boost your serotonin levels. Taking a vitamin C supplement can also be effective, but you should consult a physician before starting any new medications.
Light therapy is the most widely prescribed treatment for SAD. It works by reducing the release of melatonin in the body, making you feel more alert and less depressed. The only catch is that you must sit in front of a light for at least 20 minutes a day. If you find this difficult, consider investing in a light box.
Healthcare professionals can help you prepare for depressive episodes and their peaks by recommending medications, helping you develop coping skills, and helping you to schedule your life so that you have time for self-care. They can also prescribe lightboxes, which are small machines that provide light exposure to your retina.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another option for seasonal depression treatments. This approach aims to encourage people to identify the negative thoughts they have and replace them with healthier ones. Another option is light therapy, also called phototherapy. The lack of natural sunlight during the winter season is a trigger for SAD, and light therapy helps combat the depressive symptoms by exposing patients to artificial light.
While winter can be hard, the cold months can also be tough on the body. With SAD, people must find a way to cope with low energy levels and lack of interest in activities they used to love. If this sounds like you, it’s time to seek a treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
