MedWorm: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Happier News for Those Suffering From SAD

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:30:11 +0100

Doctors Eye New Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Shedding Light on Winter Depression (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

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Happier News for Those Suffering From SAD

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:30:11 +0100

Doctors Eye New Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Shedding Light on Winter Depression (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Spring Forward, Fall Back Into Depression?

About.com Depression — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:42:01 +0100

While many look forward to Daylight Saving Time and having more light at the end of the day, others, especially those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), may find themselves slipping back into depression at this time of year. SAD, according to experts, is caused by a disturbance in our circadian rhythm. Light entering into the eye controls this rhythm; but, during the winter months when days are shorter we may not be exposed to sufficient light during the morning hours, throwing our circadian rhythm off-balance and creating the symptoms of SAD (depression, fatigue and a craving for sweets). For those with SAD, the longer days of spring bring relief from depression. The arrival of Daylight Saving Time, however, may cause a temporary return of these symptoms as you are forced to once...

Happier News for Those Suffering From SAD

Health News: CBSNews.com — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:00:12 +0100

Doctors Eye New Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder, Shedding Light on Winter Depression (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Daylight Savings: Not a Bright Time for All

MedlinePlus Health News — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

People with SAD may be more affected by the shift in daylight, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Seasonal affective disorder increasingly a workplace issue

Los Angeles Times - Science — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:20:00 +0100

Some employees seek adjustments for SAD, serious depression triggered by limited daylight. One teacher sued a school district that refused to move her from a windowless basement room. Since she was hired two years ago as a medical assistant, Jennifer Simonsis has come to an agreement with her employer: During the winter, she gets time off to see her doctor, frequent breaks and help in setting up a light-therapy lamp at her desk. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

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Validity of the Definite and Semidefinite Questionnaire version of the Hamilton Depression Scale, the Hamilton Subscale and the Melancholia Scale. Part I

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:01:11 +0100

This study was longitudinal with 85 patients fulfilling the DSM-III-R diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Self-reporting versions (definitely and semidefinitely anchored) corresponding to the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Hamilton Subscale (HAM6), and the Bech–Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) were compared to each other and the clinician-rated version. The unidimensional property of the sum score in each scale was tested by the item-response theory model ad modum Rasch. The scales were also tested for their sensitivity to discriminate between placebo and citalopram therapy. The sum scores and the sum score variances of the definite self-rating versions did not differ significantly from the sum scores of the corresponding observer scales at any of the five time points...

Bioidentical Hormones Used To Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Endocrinology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Bioidentical Hormones Used To Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Patients Medical, a leading integrative and holistic medicine center in New York City, offers cutting-edge Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to help women transition from winter to spring when hormonal modulations are especially high. Rashmi Gulati, MD, Medical Director of Patients Medical and a trained holistic physician with the American College for Advancement of Medicine, helps women gain relief from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) through individualized bioidentical hormone treatments... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Clinical Roundup: How Do You Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder in Your Practice?

Alternative & Complementary Therapies — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:41:48 +0100

Alternative and Complementary Therapies Feb 2010, Vol. 16, No. 1: 55-58. (Source: Alternative & Complementary Therapies)

When a season means depression. - Gagné AM, Bouchard G, Tremblay P, Sasseville A, Hebert M.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:31:42 +0100

Although becoming more and more recognized among physicians and psychiatrists the etiology of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) remains unclear. Indeed, the only incontestable fact is the close link between the decrease in sunlight occurring during fall an... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Extraskeletal effects of vitamin D in older adults: Cardiovascular disease, mortality, mood, and cognition.

The American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Vitamin D insufficiency appears to be highly prevalent among older adults. Evidence from epidemiologic studies and small clinical trials suggests an association between 25(OH)D concentrations and systolic blood pressure, risk for CV disease-related deaths, symptoms of depression, cognitive deficits, and mortality. The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Trial did not find a benefit of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure, myocardial infarction, or mortality in postmenopausal women. PMID: 20226390 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy)

Beating the Winter Blues?

Dr. Weil Q&A — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:07:32 +0100

I think I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). What kind of treatment do you recommend? (Source: Dr. Weil Q&A)

Nutritional interventions for treatment of seasonal affective disorder.

CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:24:03 +0100

Authors: Palinkas LA PMID: 20070785 [PubMed - in process] (Source: CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics)

Climatic relationships with specific clinical subtypes of depression

Psychiatry Research — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0100

This study aimed to overcome these methodological issues. During an 8-year timeframe, onset rates of unipolar depressive episodes requiring hospitalization from individuals living up to 15 km from a selected meteorological station were stratified by clinical subtypes and modeled as Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) functions of orthogonal climatic factors obtained by Principal Components Analysis (PCA). For comparison purposes, onset rates stratified by demographic factors and by diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and admission rates were also modeled. The main findings were a negative 1--month delayed relationship between onset rates of episodes with melancholic features and a climatic factor mainly composed of ambient temperature/sunlight, and a negative 1-mon...

Feeling SAD? Try lightening the mood

Telegraph Health — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:45:23 +0100

Seasonal affective disorder is growing. But there are products that can brighten our day. (Source: Telegraph Health)

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

, or SAD, can often occur in people who have bipolar disorder or clinical depression. Here is information out, and resources for dealing with, Seasonal Affective Disorder. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

I used to think winter blues were a con, now I've seen the light

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:59:00 +0100

Seasonal affective disorder - SAD - was something I used to think people made up as an excuse to be grumpy. How could a lack of sunlight make you depressed? (Source: the Mail online | Health)

SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

What's New on MedlinePlus — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Does the season get you down? It could be SAD. Learn more by visiting the MedlinePlus topic page and watching a video. (Source: What's New on MedlinePlus)

Why People Get Depressed at Christmas

Psychology Today Work Center — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:27:28 +0100

We are told that Christmas, for Christians, should be the happiest time of year, an opportunity to be joyful and grateful with family, friends and colleagues. Yet, according to the National Institute of Health, Christmas is the time of year that people experience the highest incidence of depression. Hospitals and police forces report the highest incidences of suicide and attempted suicide. Psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals report a significant increase in patients complaining about depression. One North American survey reported that 45% of respondents dreaded the festive season. Why? Is the Grinch in full force during the season? Is it because of the dark winter weather that increases the incidence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Certainly those ma...

Is light therapy a good depression treatment option?

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Light therapy is a good treatment option for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

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Vitamin D prevents heart disease

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Vitamin D is best known for its anti-cancer effects, but suddenly, following a flurry of recent research, it's becoming increasingly recognized for its ability to prevent diseases like diabetes and depression. Now heart disease is also emerging as a chronic health condition that vitamin D can help prevent.Here, we've assembled a collection of relevant research quotations on vitamin D and heart disease from authors like Phyllis Balch, Dr. James Dowd, Dr. Joel Fuhrman and many more. Enjoy this unique collection!Vitamin D in the prevention of heart diseaseDiabetes, both type-1 and type-2, are profoundly linked to low vitamin D levels. Obesity, heart disease, hypertension and stroke are inversely related to sunlight exposure and vitamin D levels. Psoriasis, eczema, and periodonta...

Bah, Humbug!

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Seasonal Affective Disorder plus December holidays can equal disaster! (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

Bright Ideas for Treating Winter Blues

WSJ.com: Health — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:03:00 +0100

There is now hope for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, which causes symptoms including depression, lethargy, irritability and a desire to avoid social situations. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

December Is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

About.com Depression — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

With the shortest days of the year falling in December, this is the peak time for seasonal affective disorder. Could it be a lack of sunlight that's causing your winter blues? Click through to learn more about SAD and what you can do to defeat seasonal mood changes. Read More December Is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month originally appeared on About.com Depression on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 at 00:01:53.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Depression)

Vitamin D prevents heart disease

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) The fact that vitamin D prevents cancer is now so well known that even some conventional physicians are beginning to recommend it. Vitamin D prevents 77% of all cancers, after all. That's as close to a "cure" for cancer as you'll ever get (and it's free, too, since you can make it yourself!).But did you also know that vitamin D prevents heart disease? In fact, most people suffering from heart disease are chronically deficient in vitamin D. By correcting their vitamin D levels (through sunlight exposure or by taking vitamin D3 supplements), people can simultaneously halt cancer and prevent heart disease, too.Here's a collection of research revealing the amazing power of this "miracle" vitamin to eliminate heart disease. I'd like to add, though, that the previously recommended ...

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Winter Moods - a look at seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.)

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Resources for defeating seasonal affective disorder or SAD, which can often accompany bipolar disorder or unipolar depression. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

Before You Buy a Light Box

About.com Depression — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There are many products on the market that claim to help Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but not all meet the recommended requirements. These are the requirements recommended by the Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) for effective light box therapy. Make sure that any unit you purchase meets these specifications. Light Box Requirements : Feeling SAD As the Days Grow Shorter? SAD Symptoms The Best Treatment for SAD Alternatives to Bright Light Therapy for SAD Light Therapy for Disorders Other Than SAD Before You Buy a Light Box originally appeared on About.com Depression on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 00:30:48.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Depression)

It's Time to Be SAD

Psychology Today Depression Center — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:07:48 +0100

There's no mistaking that our lovely planet has now wobbled its seasonal wobble and tilted those of us in the northern hemisphere away from the sun until the winter solstice passes, and we wobble back again.All that to say, it is DANG DARK OUTSIDE!For most people, the shortening of days is an annoying but normal part of winter, and they light a little candle and just deal. But for some of us, the lack of light leads to decreased serotonin production, a slowing of bodily functions and a steady descent into a state of depression. This condition is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, bittersweetly acronymed SAD.The Psychology Today website states:Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons. The most common type of SAD is called winter depress...

DTB discusses the management of patients with seasonal affective disorder

NeLM - Mental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews The November 2009 issue of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) features an article discussing the management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - 'recurrent major depressive episodes with seasonal pattern' thought to affect up to 6% of the UK population. The article looks at the symptoms and causes of SAD, its clinical course, diagnosis, and treatments. The authors discuss the available evidence for the following treatments: . Conventional antidepressants (acute treatment and prevention) . Light therapy . Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) . Self-help and complementary treatments . Negative ion generators The article concludes with a look ...

Your Health: A Recap of the Week's Top Stories

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:35:52 +0100

Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Blood Pressure Medicines, Cervical Cancer, Child Safety, Motor Vehicle Safety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Psychotherapy may brighten SAD beyond light

CBC | Health — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:41:51 +0100

Psychotherapy may be a better remedy for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) than light therapy, a new study suggests. (Source: CBC | Health)

Seasonal Affective Disorder

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:22:17 +0100

Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Depression, Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Psychotherapy Beats Light Treatment for SAD

Forbes.com Health News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Study finds it easier, more effective therapy for seasonal affective disorder (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Psychotherapy Beats Light Treatment for SAD

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Study finds it easier, more effective therapy for seasonal affective disorder Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps Overcome Winter Blues

Modern Medicine — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Patients with seasonal affective disorder who undergo a one-year course of cognitive behavioral therapy, either on its own or in combination with light therapy, are less likely to have a recurrence of winter depression than their counterparts who undergo light therapy alone, according to a study in the September issue of Behavior Therapy. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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CBT Better Than Light Therapy for Prevention of SAD?

About.com Depression — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:33:52 +0100

In a study comparing light therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), University of Vermont researcher Kelly Rohan found that CBT may be most effective at preventing future episodes of the disorder. Rohan randomized 69 people with SAD, a form of depression which occurs during the fall and winter months, into one of four groups: light therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, a combination of the two or a wait-list control group. She then surveyed the participants the following winter to determine how well the interventions had prevented a recurrence of the disorder. Rohan determined that only 7% of the group treated with CBT had a recurrence, compared to 36.7% of those treated with light therapy. The recurrence in the combination ...

For SAD Sufferers, Cognitive Behavior Better Than Light Therapy At Preventing Recurrence, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A new research study examined the long-term effects of different treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of severe depression that occurs annually in the fall and winter seasons. Of those treated with cognitive behavior therapy, only 7 percent had a recurrence compared to 36.7 percent of people treated with light therapy. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

For SAD Sufferers, Cognitive Behavior Better Than Light Therapy At Preventing Recurrence

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

In the September issue of the journal Behavior Therapy, University of Vermont psychologist Kelly Rohan presents the first published research study of the long-term effects of different treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of severe depression that occurs annually in the fall and winter seasons. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Feeling SAD as the Days Grow Shorter?

About.com Depression — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Have you ever noticed how a gray, rainy day makes you feel gloomy and tired, but a sunny day can leave you feeling cheerful and energized? Well, there's a scientific reason for this. Insufficient exposure to sunlight has been associated with low levels of melatonin and serotonin, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, and sleep disturbance. Some of you may have also noticed that you find a seasonal fluctuation in your moods, feeling depressed only in the winter months. Take a look at your calendar and you'll soon see why. Each year on June 21 we experience the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. With our longest hours of sunlight in the middle of summer it's no wonder we're happier this time of year. After this date, however, the days progressively get shorter until the winter solsti...

Report of Two Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Studies of a Carbohydrate-Rich Nutrient Mixture for Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mischoulon D, Pedrelli P, Wurtman J, Vangel M, Wurtman R We investigated a carbohydrate-rich nutrient-drink mix for treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This mixture may contribute to brain serotonin synthesis, potentially exerting an antidepressant effect and controlling carbohydrate cravings. Two successive double-blind placebo-controlled studies were performed. In Study 1, 18 subjects (50% women; mean age 43 +/- 15 years) with SCID-diagnosed SAD were randomized to 12 days of twice daily carbohydrate beverage (CHO) containing mixed starches, or a placebo beverage (PRO) containing the CHO mix plus casein protein to dampen serotonin synthesis. Following a 2-day washout, subjects were crossed over to the other treatment for 12 days. In Study 2, 32 subjects (63% women...

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[Less need for insulin, a surprising effect of phototherapy in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.]

Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:12:03 +0100

Authors: Nieuwenhuis RF, Spooren PF, Tilanus JJ BACKGROUND: A 40-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was treated successfully with phototherapy for a seasonal affective disorder. Following sessions of phototherapy she developed hypoglycaemias and required less insulin. A review of the literature showed that melatonin has an inhibiting effect on insulin sensitivity. The melatonin secretion, which is suppressed by phototherapy, may cause an immediate decrease in the plasma glucose levels. This decrease may well be important for patients with insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus and seasonal affective disorder. PMID: 19760569 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie)

Winter depression recurrence one year after cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, or combination treatment.

Behavior Therapy — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:36:23 +0100

Authors: Rohan KJ, Roecklein KA, Lacy TJ, Vacek PM The central public health challenge in the management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is prevention of depression recurrence each fall/winter season. The need for time-limited treatments with enduring effects is underscored by questionable long-term compliance with clinical practice guidelines recommending daily light therapy during the symptomatic months each year. We previously developed a SAD-tailored group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and tested its acute efficacy in 2 pilot studies. Here, we report an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis of outcomes during the subsequent winter season (i.e., approximately 1 year after acute treatment) using participants randomized to CBT, light therapy, and combination treatment across our pi...

Issues for DSM-V: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Seasonality [Editorials]

Am J Psychiatry — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Am J Psychiatry)

Issues for DSM-V: seasonal affective disorder and seasonality.

The American Journal of Psychiatry — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rosenthal NE PMID: 19651748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: The American Journal of Psychiatry)

Seasonal Depression

About.com Mental Health — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects people in extreme latitudes during short days. Find out more about this disorder and it's treatment. (Source: About.com Mental Health)

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The Kid Is Not My Sun?

Psychology Today Addiction Center — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:03:34 +0100

Tanning addiction is, and isn't just that.When Michael Jackson's skin kept getting lighter and lighter -- allegedly an effort to even out the white blotches caused by a case of Vitiligo -- it was commonly (and flippantly) said that he was "addicted to plastic surgery." Similarly, when Caucasians take to beaches and tanning beds and brown themselves like rotisserie chickens despite dermatologists' warnings that overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause skin cancer, the media is inclined to say that they are "tanorexic," "tan-oholic" or "addicted to tanning."Should we take those diagnoses seriously?It's easy to see why people might over-tan. Tan and fit and thin will get you hired and admired. Whereas Jackson's skin-lightening was frequently attributed to self-hatred, seeing lig...

Hypersomnia across mood disorders: A review and synthesis

Sleep Medicine Reviews — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:49 +0100

SUMMARY: Hypersomnia is prevalent and persistent across mood disorders. This review has two aims: (1) to synthesize the research that has accrued on hypersomnia in mood disorders and (2) to identify an agenda for future research that advances knowledge on this critical, but understudied, feature of mood disorders. We begin by reviewing the state-of-the-science on the diagnosis, epidemiology and course of hypersomnia in Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. We then address key measurement and assessment issues, particularly those arising from the use of objective methods. This section identifies a need to explore whether hypersomnia is a disorder of Time in Bed (TIB) rather than a disorder of Total Sleep Time (TST), or whether pres...

Light Exposure Helps Long-Term Care Patients Housed With No Sunlight

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Imagine the nightmare of sick and disabled persons being stuck away in a building with little to no exposure to sunlight. Think this is a scene out of the Dark Ages or some horror in a third world, backwards nation? Hardly. It turns out that countless people in the U.S. are warehoused in long-term care facilities where something all humans need to thrive is denied them -- daylight.Although it seems as if common sense would have long ago changed this horrible situation, it is only now being addressed by researchers who want to document how health can be benefited by exposure to bright blue-white light. Scientists from Case Western Reserve have started tests to see if a change from standard fluorescent lighting to a light source more like sunlight can help the health of residen...

Winter Depression: Integrating Mood, Circadian Rhythms, and the Sleep/Wake and Light/Dark Cycles into a Bio-Psycho-Social-Environmental Model

Sleep Medicine Clinics — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article includes a review of resolved and unresolved issues related to circadian rhythms. (Source: Sleep Medicine Clinics)

Light Therapy

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy and light box therapy, is the use of light to treat disorders. It has become a widely used remedy for mental illnesses such as seasonal affective disorder and some research supports it benefits for sleep disturbances, depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), schizoaffective disorder and even premenstrual syndrome. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

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Prevalence of self-reported seasonal affective disorders and the validity of the seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire in young adults: Findings from a Swiss community study

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:02:47 +0100

Conclusions: The SPAQ as a single measure leads to an overestimation of SAD which, nevertheless, is a rather common phenomenon also in this central European population. The findings on the validity of the SPAQ are extended by showing that predominantly general aspects of depression are measured. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Cultural variation in seasonal depression: Cross-national differences in winter versus summer patterns of seasonal affective disorder

Journal of Affective Disorders — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:31:26 +0100

Conclusions: Individualism and power distance are strongly related to the relative prevalence of winter-SAD and summer-SAD. Culture may play an important but previously overlooked role in the etiology of SAD. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Illuminating Rationale and Uses for Light Therapy

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:39:39 +0100

This article reviews the neural underpinnings of circadian neurobiology crucial for understanding the influence of light therapy on brain function, common mood and sleep disorders in which light therapy may be effectively used, and applications of light therapy in clinical practice. Keywords: Light therapy, circadian disorders, insomnia, mood disorders, physiology (Source: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM)

Does Your Depression Get Better in the Spring?

About.com Depression — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:42:21 +0100

If you find yourself falling into a slump during the winter months, but feel much better when spring arrives, you may have what is known as seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective... (Source: About.com Depression)

Vitamin D May Not Be The Answer To Feeling SAD

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A lack of Vitamin D, due to reduced sunlight, has been linked to depression and the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but research by the University of Warwick shows there is no clear link between the levels of vitamin D in the blood and depression. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Vitamin D May Not Be The Answer To Feeling SAD

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 06:28:14 +0100

A lack of Vitamin D, due to reduced sunlight, has been linked to depression and the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but new research shows there is no clear link between the levels of vitamin D in the blood and depression. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Vitamin D not linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder

Huliq Health News — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:40:05 +0100

Vitamin D may not be the answer to feeling SAD

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Warwick) A lack of Vitamin D, due to reduced sunlight, has been linked to depression and the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but research by the University of Warwick shows there is no clear link between the levels of vitamin D in the blood and depression. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Light Box Therapy

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Light box therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can't be done with just any light box. Light boxes should meet specific requirements such as lux level and light color. This page lists the recommended requirements that you should look for when buying a light box. (Source: About.com Depression)

Feeling SAD?

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

This article will help you learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of seasonal affective disorder. (Source: About.com Depression)

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Disorders Beyond SAD

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Light therapy has many potential applications beyond Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), including non-seasonal depression and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). (Source: About.com Depression)

Latest SAD Research

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The latest Seasonal Affective Disorder research from Dr. Michael Terman, head of the Winter Depression Program at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City and Mr. Jamie Rifkin, Recruitment Coordinator and Clinical Evaluator. (Source: About.com Depression)

Symptoms of SAD

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Millions of people suffer from a biologically based depression called seasonal affective disorder during the winter months. Although these people may feel fine or even "better than normal" during the spring and summer, late fall and winter are an entirely different experience. Learn more about seasonal affective disorder here. (Source: About.com Depression)

Hypersomnia across mood disorders: A review and synthesis.

Sleep Medicine Reviews — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kaplan KA, Harvey AG Hypersomnia is prevalent and persistent across mood disorders. This review has two aims: (1) to synthesize the research that has accrued on hypersomnia in mood disorders and (2) to identify an agenda for future research that advances knowledge on this critical, but understudied, feature of mood disorders. We begin by reviewing the state-of-the-science on the diagnosis, epidemiology and course of hypersomnia in Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. We then address key measurement and assessment issues, particularly those arising from the use of objective methods. This section identifies a need to explore whether hypersomnia is a disorder of Time in Bed (TIB) rather than a disorder of Total Sleep Ti...

Winter Blues: Tips For Fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

For years, Sarah Browne couldn't figure out why, when winter started, she'd "turn into a slug." Living in Wisconsin at the time, Browne said the cold temperatures, heavy snow and fewer hours of sunlight would prevent her from leaving the house. "I... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

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Winter Got You Down? Light Box Therapy May Help

About Sleep Disorders — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Christopher Furlong / Getty Images For those who become afflicted with winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder, this time of the year can get you down. With shorter days and... (Source: About Sleep Disorders)

Lux vs. wavelength in light treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Anderson JL, Glod CA, Dai J, Cao Y, Lockley SW. Lux vs. wavelength in light treatment of seasonal affective disorder.Objective: Published dosing guidelines for treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refer to photopic lux, which is not appropriate for short-wavelength light. Short wavelengths are most potent for many non-visual responses to light. If SAD therapy were similarly mediated, standards utilizing lux risk overestimating necessary dose. We investigated antidepressant responses to light using two light-emitting diode (LED) sources, each emitting substantial short-wavelength light, but (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

Biological and Psychological Mechanisms of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Review and Integration

Current Psychiatry Reviews — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:40:51 +0100

(Source: Current Psychiatry Reviews)

Doctor Shares How To Beat Winter Blues

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:20:19 +0100

They call it the winter blues. Known as seasonal affective disorder, it is a form of mild depression that affects your thoughts and feelings. "You start to think a little more negatively than you normally would," explained Council For Relationships CEO Doctor Stephen Treat. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Bad Science: Blue Monday? That's just too depressing, says Ben Goldacre

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 00:01:00 +0100

Ah yes, Dr Cliff Arnall's equation for the most depressing day of the year - the third Monday in January. This started life as a corporate puff for Sky Travel (end of January, perfect time to book a holiday). But now Blue Monday has slipped out of Sky's ownership and become part of the canon of pseudoscientific media myth. Most alarmingly, last year it was used by the Samaritans, and this year by the Mental Health Foundation. These people, apparently, think it's okay to use bullshit to promote awareness of mental health issues.The Sun said: "It is officially the most depressing point of the year. The misery of Blue Monday was worked out by psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall." The Express loved it. The Mirror too. "Experts have worked it out," said Channel 4. CBBC fed it to children: "Researchers...

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Tanning no cure for seasonal depression

Reuters: Health — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:07:25 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who suffer from winter depression known as "seasonal affective disorder" or SAD -- or the less severe but more common "winter blues" -- shouldn't seek relief in a tanning bed or booth, a leading expert on light therapy warns. (Source: Reuters: Health)

POETRY AND MEDICINE: Seasonal Affective Disorder

JAMA — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Skin Cancer Foundation — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:11:38 +0100

Tanning Beds are not the Answer to Winter Depression New York, NY (January 12, 2008) -- With the dark days of winter upon us, many are heading to tanning salons as the solution for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a.k.a. winter depression which is believed to affect approximately 15 million Americans. Tanning salons tout their services as a treatment for SAD, though the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) they produce is not a component of light therapy, the most effective treatment. (Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation)

GP recommends ways to beat the winter blues

Management in Practice — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:40:10 +0100

This time of year means an increase in seasonal affective disorder – a doctor suggests ways to beat the worktime blues (Source: Management in Practice)

Getting Through Those Winter Blues, UK

Depression News From Medical News Today — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Long cold nights and dull dark days - the British winter isn't fun for anyone. Travelling to and from work in the dark and spending all day cooped up in an artificially lit office can send some people into a downwards spiral of exhaustion, depression and anxiety. These symptoms, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are thought to be a direct result of a lack of sunlight. (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

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Evidence of a Biological Effect of Light Therapy on the Retina of Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Depressed patients with SAD demonstrate ERG changes in the winter compared with healthy comparison subjects with lower rod retinal sensitivity and lower cone maximal amplitude. These changes normalized following 4 weeks of light therapy and during the summer, suggesting that ERG changes are state markers for SAD. (Source: Biological Psychiatry)

On the Bright Side, Again

Psychology Today Depression Center — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:36:47 +0100

I spent the winter holidays in Argentina, in part making contact with distant relatives in the German-Jewish community in Buenos Aires. I arrived near the summer solstice and then lengthened the days further by heading south for a brief tourist visit to Patagonia. Bariloche is about as far from the equator as southern New England, so dawn began close to six in the morning, and evening twilight stretched until ten.Those long days just feel good. I had new energy, fresh ideas - well, perhaps one does on vacation anyway. But surely sunshine helps.That's what I tell patients when I recommend bright lights here at 41 degrees 49 minutes north, where (today) the sun sets at 4:29 PM and civil twilight ends at 5:01. Run 10,000 lux for half an hour in the morning, let your brain imagine you're a bit...

Seasonal affective disorder and exercise treatment: a review

Biological Rhythm Research — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:33:22 +0100

(Source: Biological Rhythm Research)

Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Alternative & Complementary Therapies — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:19:14 +0100

Alternative and Complementary Therapies Dec 2008, Vol. 14, No. 6: 282-287. (Source: Alternative & Complementary Therapies)

How Seasonal Are You?

Psychology Today Depression Center — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:34:03 +0100

When the days get short and dark, many people develop a predictable set of symptoms. At their extreme, they can be very difficult and disabling. Together we call them Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD - an apt name because of how down and blue people can feel at a time of year when we're all supposed to be gearing up to celebrate.Those of us who are less severely affected may be able to continue to do our work and discharge our responsibilities, but life still doesn't feel like fun. The zest seems to have disappeared with the autumn leaves and the balmy days of summer. This lesser variant we call the "winter blues." But those of us who have it know that it is quite bad enough.Some 25 years ago my colleagues and I first described SAD and since then I have studied the condition as well as ...

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Beat the Winter Blues and help anxiety sufferers

ANXIETY UK News — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Feel good in more ways than one this Winter beat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and help anxiety sufferers in Manchester and beyond Anxiety UK, Britains largest anxiety disorders charity is based in Hulme, and is inviting the people of the region to join their team raising badly needed funds for anxiety sufferers by running in the Great Manchester Run. Leading Anxiety UKs team of runners who will be taking part in the Great Manchester Run in May 2009, is Nicky Lidbetter, the charitys Chief Executive. Nicky has had personal experience of agoraphobia and found exercise, particularly running, to be key to managing her anxiety. One in ten people will suffer from a disabling anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. This is a problem which touches all of our lives in some...

Don't let SAD get you down this season.

Nurse Practitioner, The — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:01:11 +0100

Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by an onset of recurrent major depressive episodes during the fall or winter, followed by a full remission or hypomanic/manic episode in the spring or summer. It is essential to determine the time of onset and remission of depressive episodes, including a confirmation that symptoms follow a seasonal pattern for at least 2 years.Page: 22DOI: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000342178.55661.99Authors: Gill, Jessica M. RN, PhD; Saligan, Leorey N. RN, CRNP, PhD (Source: Nurse Practitioner, The)

Less sun, more depression for people with SAD

CNN.com - Health — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:18:27 +0100

Douglas Cootey is replacing his lightbulbs with brighter ones, but not just to see better. The new broad spectrum lights simulate sunlight, and might help enliven his mood in the gloomy winter months. Cootey realized that his symptoms fit those of seasonal affective disorder, a condition that typically generates depression during autumn and winter and then goes away in the sunnier months. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

A Maverick Redefines Depression

Psychology Today Depression Center — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:59:57 +0100

Is depression one disease or many? And can most depressives treat themselves with home remedies?Currently, psychiatry is in a lumping, not a splitting, phase. The idea is that if you have the syndrome of depression - problems with mood, concentration, sleep, appetite, and the rest -and if you have it long and severely enough, then you have the disease. The most troubling individual feature, be it apathy or lack of energy, is of secondary importance. It's the cluster of symptoms that suggests what's going on in the brain and body, as well as what may go on in your life over time. But, as regards the lumping trend, there are dissenters. One of the most interesting is Bruce Charlton, a psychiatrist who teaches evolutionary psychology at the University of Newcastle, in the UK...

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:45:10 +0100

— Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this depression type.Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

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A validation analysis of two self-reported HAM-D6 versions

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:39:58 +0100

Conclusion: The analysis show that both the IVRS version and the S-HAM-D6 version are unidimensional self-rating scales for the measurement of depressive states. (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

Agomelatine Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (December)(CE).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, agomelatine is a promising and well-tolerated medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. More large-scale controlled trials are needed to gain a better understanding of the relative efficacy and safety of agomelatine. PMID: 19033480 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Narrow-band blue-light treatment of seasonal affective disorder in adults and the influence of additional nonseasonal symptoms

Depression and Anxiety — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Narrow bandwidth blue-light therapy proved superior to red-light therapy. Blue-light therapy produced results similar to both previous 10,000 lux visible-spectrum light studies and many medication studies. The use of bright red panels supported claims that wavelengths of [sim]470 nm account for the documented effectiveness of light therapy. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-6, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

Improving And Refining Light Therapy Seasonal Affective Disorder, From Harvard Mental Health Letter

Depression News From Medical News Today — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Bright white light therapy has been used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for more than 20 years. Although it remains a mainstay of treatment, in the past few years researchers have investigated ways to improve and refine light therapy, reports the November 2008 issue of the (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Gene Mutation May Cause Some Cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder

MedicineNet Sleep General — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Gene Mutation May Cause Some Cases of Seasonal Affective DisorderCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/9/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/10/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Sleep General)

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Gene Mutation May Cause Some Cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder

MedicineNet Depression General — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Gene Mutation May Cause Some Cases of Seasonal Affective DisorderCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/9/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/10/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

Gene Mutation May Cause Some Cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Gene Mutation May Cause Some Cases of Seasonal Affective DisorderCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/9/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/10/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

New Treatment Options For Seasonal Affective Disorder

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:00 +0100

Physicians Tell How To Weather Post-Election Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Economic Downturn

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 +0100

It's a week after your guy lost the most emotionally charged presidential campaign in memory. Your 401K has the value of a bus token. Days are shorter causing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to kick in. And as if all that weren't enough -- what the heck happened to the Sox and Cubs!? "This is the time of the year when people are vulnerable to depression anyway," said Dr. (Source: Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today)

Seasonal Affective Disorder May Be Linked to Genetic Mutation

Huliq Health News — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:01:38 +0100

With the days shortening toward winter, many people will begin to experience the winter blahs. For some, the effect can be devastating. (Source: Huliq Health News)

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Possible Link Between Seasonal Affective Disorder And Genetic Mutation

Depression News From Medical News Today — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0100

With the days shortening toward winter, many people will begin to experience the winter blahs. For some, the effect can be devastating. About 6 percent of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a sometimes-debilitating depression that begins in the fall and continues through winter. Sufferers may even find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Seasonal Affective Disorder May Be Linked To Genetic Mutation, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:02:37 +0100

A new study indicates that seasonal affective disorder may be linked to a genetic mutation in the eye that makes a SAD patient less sensitive to light. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Seasonal affective disorder may be linked to genetic mutation, study suggests

EurekAlert! - Biology — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Virginia) A new study indicates that seasonal affective disorder may be linked to a genetic mutation in the eye that makes a SAD patient less sensitive to light. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Light therapy

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0100

— Explore light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder, other conditions. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Chromotherapy in the regulation of neurohormonal balance in human brain--complementary application in modern psychiatric treatment.

Collegium Antropologicum — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Radeljak S, Zarković-Palijan T, Kovacević D, Kovac M Chromotherapy is based on the effect of colored light with different frequencies on human neurohormonal pathways, precisely on melatonin and serotonin pathways in brain. There is evidence that visible electromagnetic spectrum of light we see as colors can have impact on human health, Cicardian rhythm or biological clock is complex fundamental physiological and biological cycle in human organism. The biological clock in humans is located in the specialized group of brain cells called suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) within the anterior hypothalamus. The complex process of neurohormonal regulation of cicardian rhythm in humans is essential for synchronized interaction and coordination of internal body function with th...

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Is Depression a Disease? ( Part 2): The Great Debate

Psychology Today Depression Center — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:46:39 +0100

As mentioned in my previous post, there are certain inherent problems with applying the medical or disease model to mental disorders in general--and to depression in particular. If you follow this link, it will lead you to a fascinating, spirited and intellectually stimulating transcript of a televised debate featuring PT blogger Dr. Peter Kramer, Dr. Thomas Szasz and others on the controversial question of whether or not depression is a disease.One problem with thinking of depression and other serious mental disorders as biologically- based diseases is a philosophical one. If depression is understood to be a biological disease, like tuberculosis for example, does that not make one a victim of the disease, indirectly promoting an accompanying victim mentality? Is the person afflicted with ...

Seasonal Mood Swings Examined Using PET Scans

Depression News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Examining brain scans taken at various times of the year, scientists have discovered that serotonin transporter activities, which help regulate the neurotransmitter seratonin, vary according to the season. According to the article, released on September 1, 2008 in Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, this regular variance could potentially lead to explanations of seasonal affective disorder and it's mood swings. (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

PET Scans Help Identify Mechanism Underlying Seasonal Mood Changes

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:59:17 +0100

Brain scans taken at different times of year suggest that the actions of the serotonin transporter -- involved in regulating the mood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin -- vary by season, according to a new report. These fluctuations may potentially explain seasonal affective disorder and related mood changes. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

PET scans help identify mechanism underlying seasonal mood changes

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(JAMA and Archives Journals) Brain scans taken at different times of year suggest that the actions of the serotonin transporter -- involved in regulating the mood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin -- vary by season, according to a report in the September issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. These fluctuations may potentially explain seasonal affective disorder and related mood changes. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Vitamin d and mood disorders among women: an integrative review.

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Murphy PK, Wagner CL This integrative review evaluates research studies that investigated the association between vitamin D and mood disorders affecting women to determine whether further research comparing these variables is warranted. A literature search using CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was conducted to locate peer-reviewed mood disorder research studies that measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Four of six studies reviewed imparted significant results, with all four showing an association between low 25(OH)D levels and higher incidences of four mood disorders: premenstrual syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, non-specified mood disorder, and major depressive disorder. This review indicates a possible biochemical mechanism occurring bet...

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Eliminate Depression—Naturally!

Psychology Today Depression Center — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:57:02 +0100

This article will teach you how. I'm tired of being depressed and want to be happy! How should I begin? Let's look at both the physical and psycho-spiritual components—which is a good approach for any illness. From a psychological perspective, depression usually represents repressed anger which has been turned inward. This is why choosing to allow yourself to be angry or even to sometimes go into a rage can be healthy when you're depressed—even if the people around you don't like it. You can tell when the anger is healthy because it will feel good. Remember though, that you are choosing to be angry, and what you are angry about is nobody else's fault (so don't beat up others with your anger). When you don't allow guilt to get in the way, notice how your depression decreases and...

Ancient Sheep Help Pinpoint Brain Timing Mechanisms Linked To Seasonal Affective Disorder

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0100

New research by Aberdeen scientists suggests that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) relates to an ancient timing mechanism in the brain dating back millions of years. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Rainy weather getting people down in N.B.

CBC | Health — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:33:57 +0100

The rainy weather that has hit New Brunswick this summer has increased the possibility of people suffering seasonal affective disorder, a Fredericton psychologist says. (Source: CBC | Health)

How Light Deprivation Causes Depression [Scientific American Mind]

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0100

The association between darkness and depression is well established. Now a March 25 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals for the first time the profound changes that light deprivation causes in the brain.Neuroscientists at the University of Pennsylvania kept rats in the dark for six weeks. The animals not only exhibited depressive behavior but also suffered damage in brain regions known to be underactive in humans during depression. The researchers observed neurons that produce norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin--common neurotransmitters involved in emotion, pleasure and cognition--in the process of dying. This neuronal death, which was accompanied in some areas by compromised synaptic connections, may be the mechanism underlying the darkness-relate...

The circadian basis of mood disorders: Recent developments and treatment implications.

European Neuropsychopharmacology — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Monteleone P, Maj M In humans, most physiological and behavioural functions demonstrate a circadian rhythmicity, which is essential to adequately cope with dramatic fluctuations occurring in the external environment. Therefore, it is intuitive that alterations in the endogenous machinery regulating circadian oscillations may lead to physical and mental symptoms and morbidities. Mood disorders, especially unipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder, have been linked to circadian rhythm abnormalities. This paper provides a brief description of the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating the endogenous clock system and reviews selected studies describing circadian abnormalities in patients with depression. Evidence is emerging that a disruption of the normal circadian...

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An open-label, rater-blinded, flexible-dose, 8-week trial of escitalopram in patients with major depressive disorder with atypical features.

Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:57:35 +0100

Conclusions: Our preliminary study indicates that escitalopram may be beneficial in the treatment of MDD with atypical features. Adequately powered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of escitalopram in this disorder.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00610506. PMID: 18615172 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry)

A role for the circadian genes in drug addiction.

Neuropharmacology — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Falcón E, McClung CA Diurnal and circadian rhythms are prominent in nearly all bodily functions. Chronic disruptions in normal sleep wake and social schedules can lead to serious health problems such as those seen in shift worker's syndrome. Moreover, genetic disruptions in normal circadian gene functions have recently been linked to a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder and alcoholism. Recent studies are beginning to determine how these circadian genes and rhythms are involved in the development of drug addiction. Several of these studies suggest an important role for these genes in limbic regions of the brain, outside of the central circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). This review sum...

[Affective disorders and biological rhythms.]

Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Le Strat Y, Ramoz N, Gorwood P Disruptions of circadian rhythms are described in affective disorders, including unipolar and bipolar disorder, but also seasonal affective disorder. Sleep-wake and hormone circadian rhythms are among the most quoted examples. Depression could be conceptualized as a desynchronization between the endogenous circadian pacemaker and the exogenous stimuli, such as sunlight and social rhythms. Accordingly, Clock genes have been studied and the literature suggests that variants in these genes confer a higher risk of relapse, more sleep disturbances associated with depression, as well as incomplete treatment response. Most of therapeutic interventions in depression have an impact on biological rhythms. Some of them exclusively act via a biological pathw...

[Affective disorders and biological rhythms]

Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder with Duloxetine: An Open-Label Study

Pharmacopsychiatry — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:25:45 +0100

Pharmacopsychiatry 2008; 41: 100-105DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1058103Abstract The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of duloxetine in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Pharmacopsychiatry)

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[Letters to the Editor] Application of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in Detecting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Am J Psychiatry — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Am J Psychiatry)

[Letters to the Editor] Ms. Sullivan and Dr. Payne Reply

Am J Psychiatry — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Am J Psychiatry)

Application of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in detecting seasonal affective disorder.

The American Journal of Psychiatry — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gupta N, Sharma P PMID: 18450943 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: The American Journal of Psychiatry)

Discovery That Different Processes Govern Sight, Light Detection Could Point Toward Help For SAD, Insomnia Patients

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:00 +0100

A Johns Hopkins University biologist, in research with implications for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder and insomnia, has determined that the eye uses light to reset the biological clock through a mechanism separate from the ability to see. (Source: Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today)

Help For Insomnia Patients? Different Processes Govern Sight, Light Detection

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:35:06 +0100

Biologists, in research with implications for people suffering from seasonal affective disorder and insomnia, have determined that the eye uses light to reset the biological clock through a mechanism separate from the ability to see. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Different processes govern sight, light detection

News-Medical News Feed — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:16:00 +0100

[Neuroscience] Light deprivation damages monoamine neurons and produces a depressive behavioral phenotype in rats

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Light is an important environmental factor for regulation of mood. There is a high frequency of seasonal affective disorder in... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Bipolar Disorder and Discontinuing Medications: Is It Common?

CounsellingResource.com News and Features — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:37:10 +0100

Q: I’ve been diagnosed as Bipolar, Major Depressive and Seasonal Affective Disorder by different doctors and therapists over the past 12 years of my life. I’m probably bipolar, as that is the most common diagnosis I receive. I have made a serious suicide attempt and I have been hospitalised seperately for suicidal depression. I have [...] (Source: CounsellingResource.com News and Features)

Self-reported seasonality is associated with complaints of sleep problems and deficient sleep duration: the Hordaland Health Study.

Journal of Sleep Research — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:32:03 +0100

In conclusion, we found seasonal changes in mood and behaviour to be associated with several sleep-related complaints. Sleep duration deficiency increased with increasing seasonality, mainly due to increasing subjective sleep need. PMID: 18275556 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Sleep Research)

Self-reported seasonality is associated with complaints of sleep problems and deficient sleep duration: the Hordaland Health Study

Journal of Sleep Research — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:26:59 +0100

Journal of Sleep Research, Volume 17, Issue 1, Page 63-72, March 2008. SummaryChange in sleep duration dependent on time of year is a central characteristic of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In a community health survey, we analysed associations between seasonality, subjective sleep problems and sleep duration. Totally, ... (Source: Journal of Sleep Research)

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[BRIEF REPORTS] Linking Learning and Health: A Pilot Study of Medical Students' Perceptions of the Academic Impact of Various Health Issues

Acad Psychiatry — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Medical students perceive their experiences with social and psychological concerns as negatively influential to their academic well-being. Strategies that assist students in coping with these issues support the learning mission of the academic medical center. (Source: Acad Psychiatry)

Influence of timed nutrient diet on depression and light sensitivity in seasonal affective disorder.

Chronobiology International — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Danilenko KV, Plisov IL, Hébert M, Kräuchi K, Wirz-Justice A Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) patients crave and eat more carbohydrates (CHO) in fall-winter when depressed, especially in the evenings, and feel energetic thereafter. Evening CHO-rich meals can phase delay circadian rhythms, and glucose increases retinal response to light. We studied timed CHO- or protein-rich (PROT) diet as a putative therapy for SAD. Unmedicated, DSM-IV-diagnosed depressed women with SAD (n=22, 19-63 yrs) in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (present in 19) were randomized to nine days of eating approximately 1600 kcal of either CHO before 12:00 h (n=9), CHO after 18:00 h (n=6), or PROT after 18:00 h (n=7); only water was allowed for the rest of the day. Measurements includ...

Post-Winter Holidays: Hibernation or Depression?

Psych Central — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:02:07 +0100

The holiday season is just about over. The presents are unwrapped. The relatives have left. The leftovers are almost gone. Some things went well. Some didn’t. There were moments of pleasure and joy and moments of disappointment and frustration. The roller coaster of activities and emotions is sliding to a stop. As you bite the head off the last gingerbread man, you sigh and wonder “Now what?” Coming down from the holidays can feel like a come-down. But it’s also a new beginning. After the many festivals of light in mid-winter (Ramadan, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Bodhi Day, Christmas, Kwanzaa) comes the time of the dark — a quiet time for gathering ourselves for the daylight to come. Not so long ago, winter was a time for lying low, for repairing tools, doing hand work, spinn...

Jet lag: Therapeutic use of melatonin and possible application of melatonin analogs.

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Srinivasan V, Spence DW, Pandi-Perumal SR, Trakht I, Cardinali DP Each year millions of travelers undertake long distance flights over one or more continents. These multiple time zone flights produce a constellation of symptoms known as jet lag. Familiar to almost every intercontinental traveler is the experience of fatigue upon arrival in a new time zone, but almost as problematic are a number of other jet lag symptoms. These include reduced alertness, nighttime insomnia, loss of appetite, depressed mood, poor psychomotor coordination and reduced cognitive skills, all symptoms which are closely affected by both the length and direction of travel. The most important jet lag symptoms are due to disruptions to the body's sleep/wake cycle. Clinical and pathophysiological studies ...

Grant Funds Research On Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy

Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:00:00 +0100

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston researcher Tatiana N. Nanovskaya has received a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to advance her research on the safety of bupropion for smoking cessation during pregnancy. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. [click link for full article] (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today)

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Lack Of Light And Seasonal Depression - What's The Link? From The Harvard Health Letter

Depression News From Medical News Today — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:00:00 +0100

People troubled by depression usually experience their dark moods in an on-again, off-again fashion. In that respect, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) differs only in that the oscillations follow a seasonal schedule, with the depression usually starting in the fall and lasting through the spring. Lack of light is often blamed for SAD, but just how darker days cause depression in SAD sufferers is still in question, reports the January 2008 issue of the Harvard Health Letter. [click link for full article] (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Light Therapy for Insomnia in Older Adults.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 01:08:49 +0100

Authors: Gammack JK Exposure to bright light suppresses the production of melatonin and contributes to the regulation of the circadian rhythm. Because of environmental and medical conditions, older adults are less likely than younger adults to receive the prolonged, high intensity, daily bright light needed to promote a satisfactory sleep-wake cycle. The best available evidence for bright light therapy is in the management of seasonal affective disorder, which is relatively infrequent in the elderly population. For older adults with chronic insomnia, dementia, and nonseasonal depression, there is no consensus on the optimum treatment protocol for bright light therapy. However, in addition to sleep improvement, bright light therapy may be used to reduce unwanted behavioral and cognitive...

AASM: Sleep Problems And Depression Are Common Signs Of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Depression News From Medical News Today — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:00:00 +0100

With the days getting shorter, fall will soon give way to winter. For some winter is the time of year they experience depression and sleep problems, common signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) encourages those who may experience such symptoms to consult with a sleep specialist for an appropriate medical treatment so that you can soon improve your sleep and your outlook on life. [click link for full article] (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

[Articles] Affective Disorders and Cognitive Failures: A Comparison of Seasonal and Nonseasonal Depression

Am J Psychiatry — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Seasonal depression shares certain common symptoms with nonseasonal depression; however, the two disorders have never been examined in a single study, to the authors’ knowledge. The goal of this research was to examine the potential similarities in cognitive impairments in seasonal affective disorder and major depressive disorder in college students in the Midwest. Identification of affective disorders was based on participants’ self-reported behavior and affect on the Beck Depression Inventory and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire. A group of 93 participants was assessed for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder in late autumn and completed the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire for reported difficulties in everyday activities that correspond to p...

Evolving applications of light therapy.

Sleep Medicine Reviews — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Terman M The psychiatric intervention, light therapy, grew from an intensive 25-year research focus on seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Dosing and timing strategies have been honed to optimize the antidepressant effect, and efficacy relative to placebo has provided the evidence base for widespread implementation. A persistent question has been whether the model system for SAD has wider utility for psychiatric disturbance, even beyond depression. The circadian phase-shifting capacity of timed light exposure is universal, and chronobiological factors are at play across the disease spectrum. Recent promising initiatives extend to light treatment for nonseasonal major depressive disorder and bipolar depression, including drug- and electroconvulsive therapy-resistant cases. With ...

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What is the evidence for using Vitamin D supplements in patients with seasonal affective disorder?

NLH Question Answering Service — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:25:55 +0100

Overall, there is little evidence. A 2002 Australian guideline reported on complementary treatments for depression [1], this reported:"Vitamin D. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

Affective disorders: Less SAD with more sun and serotonin

Nature Reviews Neuroscience — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:29:29 +0100

Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8, 812 (2007). doi:10.1038/nrn2263 Author: Leonie Welberg Short, dark winter days put most of us in a gloomy mood, but in people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), they can cause severe clinical depression. Fortunately, this depression can be treated with bright-light therapy (BLT), and it disappears altogether in summer. Willeit et al (Source: Nature Reviews Neuroscience)

Medical matters

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:04:44 +0100

PROFESSOR John Eagles, a consultant at Aberdeen's Royal Cornhill Hospital, has contributed a chapter on seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to the UK's first encyclopaedia on mental health for the general public. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Long-Term and Preventative Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

CNS Drugs — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 12:35:22 +0100

(Source: CNS Drugs)

Long-Term and Preventative Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

CNS Drugs — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:29:49 +0100

Page: 901Authors: Westrin, Asa 1; Lam, Raymond W 2 (Source: CNS Drugs)

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As Sunlight Fades, Look Out for SAD

Dr. Koop News Articles — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Seasonal affective disorder sets in in the fall, experts say. (Source: Dr. Koop News Articles)

Does Your Mood Take A Nosedive Each November?

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

If you notice that your mood, energy level and motivation take a nosedive each November only to return to normal in April, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). "This condition, characterized by depression, exhaustion and lack of interest in people and regular activities, interferes with a person's outlook on life and ability to function properly," according to researchers. But people should not despair, because SAD is treatable. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Season of birth in siblings of patients with seasonal affective disorder

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:55:52 +0100

Abstract Recently we have published a report on seasonally varying birth rates in 553 patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The present study is aimed to test the hypothesis of an idiosyncratic seasonal conception pattern of the parents of these patients to explain this phenomenon. We conducted a telephone interview with the patients to obtain information on the birth data of their siblings. Using the method of chart review to acquire information on the family history of our patients, we excluded those siblings with psychiatric disorders. We first compared the birth months and the quarters of birth of 435 healthy siblings with the general population. Secondly, we compared the birth distribution of the index SAD patients with that of their siblings. There was a s...

Does Your Mood Take A Nosedive Each November?

Depression News From Medical News Today — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:00:00 +0100

If you notice that your mood, energy level and motivation take a nosedive each November only to return to normal in April, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to Loyola University Health System doctors."This condition, characterized by depression, exhaustion and lack of interest in people and regular activities, interferes with a person's outlook on life and ability to function properly," said Dr. [click link for full article] (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Britain heading for 'epidemic' of winter blues after miserable summer

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:35:53 +0100

The relentless rain and dark skies will leave many sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) already depressed before the winter, mental health experts warn (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Seasonal Depression Tied to Serotonin

WebMD Health — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0100

People with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may have lower levels of the brain chemical serotonin in winter than other people, according to a new study. (Source: WebMD Health)

Enhanced Serotonin Transporter Function during Depression in Seasonal Affective Disorder

Neuropsychopharmacology — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matthäus Willeit, Harald H Sitte, Nikolaus Thierry, Klaus Michalek, Nicole Praschak-Rieder, Peter Zill, Dietmar Winkler, Werner Brannath, Michael B Fischer, Brigitta Bondy, Siegfried Kasper & Ernst A Singer (Source: Neuropsychopharmacology)

[Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of affective disorders: an overview of the literature]

Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 01:18:59 +0100

CONCLUSION: There is insufficient clinical evidence to prove conclusively that treatment with omega-3 fatty acids has a beneficial effect on affective disorders. PMID: 17290337 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie)

What are the diagnostic criteria for Seasonal Affective Disorder?

NLH Question Answering Service — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:49:29 +0100

The diagnosis of SAD appears problematic and we found relatively little information. A 2006 review article in American Family Physician [1] has an extensive section on screening. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)