William Penn Life, 2013 (48. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2013-02-01 / 2. szám
Our Health Corner with Debbie Wolfe, rn Seasonal Affective Disorder IF THE BLEAK WINTER months get you down more than you think they should, maybe you have seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, a mood disorder that happens every year at the same time. Hormones manufactured deep in the brain automatically trigger attitudinal changes at certain times of year. Experts believe that SAD is related to these hormonal changes. One theory is that reduced sunlight during fall and winter leads to reduced production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a soothing, calming effect. Insufficient serotonin levels can result in depression. SAD usually starts in young adulthood and is more common in females than in males. Some people with SAD experience very mild symptoms and feel out of sorts or irritable. Others have debilitating symptoms that interfere with relationships and productivity. People with SAD exhibit signs of depression, including: • Decreased levels of energy • Difficulty concentrating • Fatigue • Increased appetite • Increased desire to be alone • Increased need for sleep • Weight gain How is Seasonal Affective Disorder diagnosed? It is very important that you do not diagnose yourself. If you have symptoms, see your doctor for a thorough assessment. Sometimes, physical problems can cause depression. A health professional should be the one to determine your level of depression and recommend the right form of treatment. How is Seasonal Depression treated? There are different treatments, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Many doctors recommend that patients with SAD try to get outside early in the morning to increase their exposure to natural light. If this is impossible because of the dark winter months, antidepressant medications and/or light therapy (phototherapy) may help. What is Light Therapy? Light therapy uses a full-spectrum bright light that is shined indirectly into the eyes. You sit about two feet away from a bright light, about 20 times brighter than normal room lighting. Sessions usually begin with 10 to 15 minute daily treatments. They can then be increased to 30 to 45 minutes daily, depending on the patient's response. Some people with SAD recover within days using light therapy, others take much longer. If the symptoms are not resolved, the doctor may increase the light therapy sessions to twice daily. Those who respond to light therapy are encouraged to continue until they can be out in the sunshine again in the springtime. How does the light therapy work? Some researchers link seasonal depression to the natural hormone melatonin, which causes drowsiness. When light strikes the human retina, a process in the body decreases the secretion of melatonin. Light modifies the amount of melatonin in the human nervous system and boosts serotonin in the brain. So light has an antidepressant effect. Experts believe that light therapy may be an effective treatment for people with eating disorders, insomnia, and major depression. Researchers have found that when depressed patients without SAD take antidepressants and use light therapy, there is an added benefit of increased energy and improved mood. Can one prevent SAD? If you have been diagnosed with SAD, here are some things you can do to help prevent it from coming back: • Try to spend time outside every day, even when it's very cloudy. The effects of daylight are still beneficial. • Begin using a light box when fall starts, even before you feel the effects of winter SAD. • Eat a well-balanced diet, including sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals. This will give more energy, even if your body is craving starchy and sweet foods. • Exercise for 30 minutes a day, three times a week. • Stay involved with your social circle and regular activities. Social support is extremely important for those with mood disorders, especially during winter months. If you experience feelings of depression, fatigue, and irritability that come at the same time each year and appear to be seasonal in nature, you may have a form of SAD. Talk openly with your doctor about your feelings. Follow the doctor's recommendations for lifestyle changes and/or treatment if you have SAD. So get outside. Have a snowball fight. Or, take a vacation to somewhere sunny. The main idea is to stay active year round. Till next month.... fee Healthy! fee Happy! stay Fit! egészségére! m ernie William Penn Life 0 February 2013 0 11 Photo: Winter Blues © Martin Green/ Dreamstime.c
