Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs during the winter period and causes symptoms such as sadness, excessive sleep, increased appetite and difficulty concentrating.
This disorder occurs more in people living in places where winter lasts a long time and symptoms improve as the season changes and the amount of sunlight increases.
- However.
- When symptoms are very uncomfortable.
- It is necessary to consult a psychiatrist who may indicate certain types of treatment such as light therapy.
- Medications.
- Psychotherapy and natural treatments.
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are very similar to those of depression, with the large difference being that they occur mainly in winter and may be:
Symptoms vary from person to person and tend to decrease in late winter and there is an increase in sun exposure, however it is necessary to consult a psychiatrist to indicate the most appropriate treatment if the symptoms are very severe.
In addition, in some cases, symptoms may persist even with the onset of summer and should therefore be followed up with a psychiatrist who will evaluate the presence of a common depression. See what can cause depression.
The main causes of seasonal affective disorder are related to the decline of body substances related to mood and sleep, such as Serotonin and Melatonin. These substances tend to decrease in periods when days are shorter and, as a result, there is less sun exposure.
However, the body also produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, so another cause related to seasonal affective disorder is that during winter there is less sunlight and vitamin D levels in the body decrease, causing more sleep and excessive fatigue.
In addition, some risk factors may be related to the development of seasonal affective disorders, such as people living in darker and colder places, working in tighter, darker areas, and having a personal or family history of depression.
Certain types of treatments may be indicated for seasonal affective disorders, such as:
Light therapy is a type of treatment that involves applying bright light to the person instead of sun exposure. This type of treatment is highly recommended and sometimes should be used in combination with medicines.
It is performed in specialized hospitals and clinics, where the person is sitting or lying in receiving bright light on the skin, for a period of 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the intensity of the light and the duration of treatment depends on the doctor. Learn more about how light therapy is performed.
However, some side effects such as eye irritation, restlessness and headaches can be observed, so it is important to always go to the doctor.
Psychotherapy, especially the type called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can make it easier to treat seasonal affective disorders. This type of therapy is performed by a psychologist, in which it focuses on the development of mood and behavior and consists of helping the person understand and control their emotions in different situations.
Psychotherapy sessions can be performed individually or in groups as directed by the psychologist, and reflection exercises may be performed to help identify negative feelings and breathing exercises to promote relaxation.
Your doctor may order some medications to treat seasonal affective disorders, such as antidepressants. Some antidepressants, such as bupropion, increase Serotonin levels in the brain, reducing symptoms such as sadness and excessive fatigue.
In addition, your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D supplement to regulate your blood levels of this vitamin, the amount to use will depend on each person.
Natural treatment is used in conjunction with other types of treatment and can improve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Thus, it is necessary to take measures around the house such as keeping windows, blinds and curtains open during the day, as well as sitting by the window to be in contact with the sun’s rays.
There are also home remedies indicated to treat this type of disorders, such as St. John’s wort, rhodiola or kava-kava tea. These extracts can also be found in capsule formulas and your dosage should always be recommended by your doctor or herbalist.
In addition, it is important to do outdoor activities, such as hiking, and maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamin D. Discover the main foods that contain vitamin D