Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

Tag Archives: winter depression

“SAD” MAY BE HEREDITARY

February 26th, 2016

It probably seems odd that I’m writing about seasonal depression when spring
is right around the corner. But in October, I did a blog about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 48469167_sThe symptoms mimic those of depression, and the disorder is believed to be triggered by changes in daylight, making it more prevalent in the late fall heading into the winter months when the days get shorter. Well, now it seems there might be a gene that predisposes a person to SAD. The details were published today in the in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Because SAD almost always occurs during the winter months, researchers have believed the condition was triggered by light or rather the lack of light. It is believed that the changes in sunlight affect the circadian rhythms of people with SAD messing up their biological clocks. It is also believed that the increase in the production of melatonin, which is produced at higher levels in the dark could also be a cause.

The researchers in this new study analyzed a group of patients with SAD and also with another sleep disorder called Familial Advance Sleep-Phase syndrome. They identified a mutation in a gene called PER3 suggesting that this gene might both affect sleep and mood.

You can click below to read more of the details of the study. This team of researchers actively believes that there is a gene connection. Dr. Louis Ptáček, also a professor of neurology at the UCSF School of Medicine, said to MNT, “This is the first human mutation directly linked to seasonal affective disorder, and the first clear sign of a mechanism that could link sleep to mood disorders.”
This is an exciting time in research because the more we understand what causes these disorders, the better treatment options we can offer to patients.

LINKS
Seasonal affective disorder: first human gene mutation discovered
Don’t Be Sad
Does seasonal affective disorder actually exist?

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

DON’T BE SAD!

November 10th, 2015

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects more than 14 million Americans, and it is related to changes in the seasons. Up until now the gold standard of treatment for SAD has been light therapy. That was up until a new study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health started pointing to cognitive-behavioral therapy as a better treatment.

46962614_sPublished online Friday in the American Journal of Psychiatry, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association, the study followed patients for several years noting the difference between cognitive-behavioral therapy and light therapy treatment. What researchers noticed was that those treated with cognitive behavioral therapy had higher remission rates with less recurrence than those treated with light therapy. These discrepancies were recorded during the second year of the study.

The standard treatment for SAD includes light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. Many people go undiagnosed and struggle through the winter months feeling like they just have to tough it out. That’s not true. If you have symptoms of SAD, you should make an appointment with your doctor and discuss the treatments.

So what are the symptoms of SAD? Most people first experience symptoms in the fall that continue through the winter months. Sometimes referred to as “winter depression” SAD has a variety of symptoms including moodiness, fatigue, low energy level and irritability. The physical symptoms can include weight gain, oversleeping, a change in appetite and arms and legs feeling heavy. Because SAD is a subtype of major depression it can have some of those symptoms too, including feeling hopeless or worthless, loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed, problems focusing, and even thoughts of death or suicide.

Know the symptoms of SAD and if you think you, a loved one or a friend might have it, seek out medical advice. The goal for treating SAD is to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

Outcomes One and Two Winters Following Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Talk Therapy Better Than Light Treatment For Seasonal Affective Disorder

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.