Blog with Jennifer Brenner, FNP
February 2012

SAD-also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder

For many individuals the lack of sunshine and shorter day time hours can lead to the feeling of sadness and depression. Other symptoms can include fatigue, increased sleeping, anxiety, lack of concentration, lack of energy, feeling unhappy, irritable, loss of interest in activities/hobbies, and/or an increase or decrease in appetite.

This condition is very common and affects a lot of individuals. This syndrome occurs at the same time every year, usually around the winter months. SAD can occur at anytime during your lifetime. It occurs more often in women then in men. Several factors can play a role in developing this condition including lack of sunshine, hormones, history of depression, hormones, and body temperature
How do I tell if I have this? Based on symptoms, physical exam, bloodwork to rule out other conditions such as thyroid, and sometimes a depression questionnaire is done. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Research has shown it has to do with circadian rhythm (disruption of your internal clock), serotonin (decrease, can affect mood) and melatonin levels (decrease, can affect mood and sleep).
The treatment includes: vitamins/minerals, bright light exposure (phototherapy), herbals, exercise, bodywork, and antidepressants.

1. Vitamins include-daily multivitamin, vitamin D-do you know your level? , magnesium, omega 3 fatty acid (fish oil) and green tea extract to name a few.
2. Daily exercise-can energize you, about 20 minutes each day.
3. Bodywork can alleviate many symptoms associated with SAD. These include-yoga, healing touch, reiki, massage, biofeedback-mind body. These can energize you and reduce depression, and anxiety
4. Herbals can include melatonin, St John Wort and SAME
5. Bright light therapy-can elevate mood. This works by signaling the brains neurotransmitters that target depression
6. Antidepressants can also be used in treating SAD. (Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac to name a few)

If you have depression sometimes this time off year can make your symptoms worse-schedule your appointment today to discuss treatment options

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