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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Bright light therapy for symptoms of anxiety and depression in focal epilepsy: randomised controlled trial [PAPERS]
Conclusions Light therapy resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression but we did not find any differences between high- v. low-intensity treatment. This may, therefore, be an effective treatment for symptoms of low mood in epilepsy at lower intensities than those typically used to treat seasonal affective disorder. Further work is needed to investigate this possibility with an adequate placebo condition. (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry)
Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry - May 1, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Baxendale, S., O'Sullivan, J., Heaney, D. Tags: PAPERS Source Type: research

Discovery Of Evolutionary Changes In The Brains Of Rats And Humans May Lead To Parkinson's Therapy
Most of us are familiar with the "winter blues," the depression-like symptoms known as "seasonal affective disorder," or SAD, that occurs when the shorter days of winter limit our exposure to natural light and make us more lethargic, irritable and anxious. But for rats it's just the opposite. Biologists at UC San Diego have found that rats experience more anxiety and depression when the days grow longer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 28, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Parkinson's Disease Source Type: news

Seasonality in Seeking Mental Health Information on Google
Conclusions: Information seeking on Google across all major mental illnesses and/or problems followed seasonal patterns similar to those found for seasonal affective disorder. These are the first data published on patterns of seasonality in information seeking encompassing all the major mental illnesses, notable also because they likely would have gone undetected using traditional surveillance. (Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine)
Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine - April 19, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Authors: John W. Ayers, Benjamin M. Althouse, Jon-Patrick Allem, J. Niels Rosenquist, Daniel E. Ford Tags: Research and Practice Methods Source Type: research

Seasonality of mood and behavior in the Old Order Amish
Conclusions: In the Amish, GSS and SAD prevalence were lower than observed in earlier SPAQ-based studies in other predominantly Caucasian populations. Low heritability of SAD suggests dominant environmental effects. The effects of awareness, age and gender on SAD risk were similar as in previous studies. Identifying factors of resilience to SAD in the face of seasonal changes in the Amish could suggest novel preventative and therapeutic approaches to reduce the impact of SAD in the general population. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)
Source: Journal of Affective Disorders - April 13, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Uttam K. Raheja, Sarah H. Stephens, Braxton D. Mitchell, Kelly J. Rohan, Dipika Vaswani, Theodora G. Balis, Gagan V. Nijjar, Aamar Sleemi, Toni I. Pollin, Kathleen Ryan, Gloria M. Reeves, Nancy Weitzel, Mary Morrissey, Hassaan Yousufi, Patricia Langenberg Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research

Mental Health Web Searches Follow SAD Trend (CME/CE)
(MedPage Today) -- Web searches for information about mental illness and problems follow patterns much like those found in seasonal affective disorder, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Psychiatry)
Source: MedPage Today Psychiatry - April 12, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news

Are You Feeling SAD?
During the winter months we often hear people mention feeling “blue” or “down.” There are others that speak of SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder. You may wonder, “What on earth is SAD?” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seasonal, cyclic disorder that affects many individuals every year. The onset of symptoms usually begins in the fall or early winter and ceases as the seasons change and it becomes sunnier outside. For some, the seasonal depression begins in the spring or summer months. Although SAD is not a “standalone” diagnosis in the current Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR), publishe...
Source: Psych Central - March 31, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Brian Shaw, MSW, LMHP, LISW Tags: Depression Disorders General Seasonal Affective Disorder Self-Help American Psychiatric Association Biological Clock Cyclic Disorder Depressed Mood Dsm Iv Tr Dysregulation Full Spectrum Melatonin Levels Neurotransmitter In The Br Source Type: news

Spring Forward, Fall Back Into Depression?
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....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Depression)
Source: About.com Depression - March 27, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news

Bright light therapy for symptoms of anxiety and depression in focal epilepsy: randomised controlled trial.
CONCLUSIONS: Light therapy resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression but we did not find any differences between high- v. low-intensity treatment. This may, therefore, be an effective treatment for symptoms of low mood in epilepsy at lower intensities than those typically used to treat seasonal affective disorder. Further work is needed to investigate this possibility with an adequate placebo condition. PMID: 23520221 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry for Mental Science)
Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry for Mental Science - March 23, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Tags: Br J Psychiatry Source Type: research

Direct health care costs of treating seasonal affective disorder: a comparison of light therapy and fluoxetine.
Conclusion. The results suggest that individuals treated with medication had significantly less mental health care cost after-treatment compared to those treated with light therapy. PMID: 23119154 [PubMed] (Source: Depression Research and Treatment)
Source: Depression Research and Treatment - March 9, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Tags: Depress Res Treat Source Type: research

Adjunctive bright light in non-seasonal major depression.
CONCLUSION: The study results support the use of bright light as an adjunct treatment to antidepressants in non-seasonal depression. PMID: 15527426 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Supplementum)
Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Supplementum - March 9, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Tags: Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl Source Type: research

A SAD Tale
For those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, spring can't come soon enough. Still, there's hope even if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Saturday.read more (Source: Psychology Today Depression Center)
Source: Psychology Today Depression Center - January 29, 2013 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Meir H. Kryger, M.D. Tags: Depression Neuroscience Psychiatry Sleep burrow circadian clock daylight exposure depressive symptoms early spring february 2 ganglion cells melanopsin northern climes northern populations pigment Punxsutawney Phil retina Source Type: news

Behavioral therapy effective for SAD
BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- There is growing evidence cognitive behavioral therapy -- a type of talk therapy -- can help patients with seasonal affective disorder, U.S. researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Source: Health News - UPI.com - January 28, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Health Tip: Avoid the Winter Blues
Drink plenty of waterSource: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Source: MedlinePlus Health News - January 28, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Blue light may be just what you need to beat the winter blues
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real condition that makes people feel blue during wintertime. As many as one out of five people experience feelings of depression during the coldest months of the year. People with SAD experience symptoms of depression that go away... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Source: NaturalNews.com - January 17, 2013 Category: Consumer Health Advice Source Type: news

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects millions
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that affects millions of people. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)
Source: WDSU.com - Health - January 13, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

9 Tips to Cope with Holiday Depression
The stress of the holidays triggers sadness and depression for many people. This time of year is especially difficult because there’s an expectation of feeling merry and generous. People compare their emotions to what they assume others are experiencing or what they’re supposed to feel and then think that they alone fall short. They judge themselves and feel like an outsider. There are a host of things that add to stress and difficult emotions during the holidays: Finances. Not enough money or the fear of not having enough to buy gifts leads to sadness and guilt. The stress of financial hardship during this economic d...
Source: Psych Central - January 12, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT Tags: Depression Disorders Divorce Family General Grief and Loss Holiday Coping Self-Help Seniors Stress Women's Issues Adult Children Of Divorce Deceased Economic Downturn Enough Money Estrangement Expectation Family Dinners Source Type: news

Seasonal affective disorder, winter blues?
BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Winter blues, feeling sad blue around the winter holidays, is not seasonal affective disorder, which interferes with daily functioning, U.S. researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Source: Health News - UPI.com - January 11, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Health Tip: You May Have Seasonal Affective Disorder
If winter is getting you down Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Source: MedlinePlus Health News - January 10, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Start the New Year off with the January Issue of NIH News in Health
The January 2013 issue of NIH News in Health is now available online. Learn about seasonal affective disorder, older adults and trust, and research into gene therapy to aid in salivary production. [da] (Source: Midcontinental Region News)
Source: Midcontinental Region News - January 8, 2013 Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: liaison Tags: All Members Source Type: news

Do Dogs Have Winter Blues or Suffer from SAD?
Low light levels during the winter can cause hormonal shifts in humans leading to the lethargy and depression often called the "Winter Blues" or "Seasonal Affective Disorder." Dogs and cats also suffer from this problem but fortunately some simple solutions are available.read more (Source: Psychology Today Depression Center)
Source: Psychology Today Depression Center - January 2, 2013 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. Tags: Animal Behavior Cognition Depression Neuroscience activity appetite barking begging blues bond brain cake canine canines cat chocolate comfort cool white dancer daylight despair dog Dogs emotion energy ent Source Type: news

Winter Depression May Require Treatment Plan
Seasonal affective disorder affects up to 1 in 5 Americans, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Source: MedlinePlus Health News - December 26, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

A depressive's guide to Christmas
Seasonal affective disorder, active grief, debilitating panic, PTSD and a whole host of other emotional issues are thrown into sharp relief amid the mandatory yuletide revelry. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
Source: CNN.com - Health - December 19, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

What does Christmas do to your brain?
It's obvious what over-indulgence does to your body, but there's an unseen upheaval going on between your earsWhat's going on in your head as Christmas approaches? Your brain is already having to cope with your festive party schedule and the stress of Christmas shopping – and things are set to get a whole lot more intense.Here are five Christmas catastrophes about to wreak havoc on your little grey cells:1 Seasonal affective disorderResearchers believe that as many as a third of the UK population suffer from seasonal affective disorder – severe changes in mood with the onset of winter. Those affected are thought to hav...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - December 19, 2012 Category: Science Authors: David Cox Tags: Blogposts Christmas guardian.co.uk Students Higher education Neuroscience Life and style Source Type: news

December Is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month
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 Full Post (Source: About.com Depression)
Source: About.com Depression - December 12, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news

Smoking While Drinking May Lead to a Wicked Hangover
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Don't let it get you down. Plus, how to eat for your age. (Source: U.S. News - Health)
Source: U.S. News - Health - December 7, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Experts Offer Advice to Avoid Winter Blues
Mayo Clinic experts offer tips to help you avoid seasonal affective disorder and keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the winter. (Source: News from Mayo Clinic)
Source: News from Mayo Clinic - December 7, 2012 Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: Mayo Clinic Source Type: news

Experts Offer Advice to Avoid Winter Blues
Mayo Clinic experts offer tips to help you avoid seasonal affective disorder and keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the winter. (Source: Mayo Clinic Rochester News)
Source: Mayo Clinic Rochester News - December 7, 2012 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Mayo Clinic Source Type: news

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Don't Let It Get You Down
Feeling bummed? It may be Seasonal Affective Disorder, a serious but treatable form of depression. (Source: U.S. News - Health)
Source: U.S. News - Health - December 3, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Seasonal affective disorder.
Abstract Seasonal affective disorder is a combination of biologic and mood disturbances with a seasonal pattern, typically occurring in the autumn and winter with remission in the spring or summer. In a given year, about 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal affective disorder, with symptoms present for about 40 percent of the year. Although the condition is seasonally limited, patients may have significant impairment from the associated depressive symptoms. Treatment can improve these symptoms and also may be used as prophylaxis before the subsequent autumn and winter seasons. Light therapy is gene...
Source: American Family Physician - December 1, 2012 Category: Primary Care Authors: Kurlansik SL, Ibay AD Tags: Am Fam Physician Source Type: research

Light relief from crippling seasonal blues
WINTER BLUES:What to do when seasonal affective disorder makes normal living impossible (Source: The Irish Times - Health)
Source: The Irish Times - Health - November 5, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Treating the Winter Blues
Seasonal depression affects many people in the northern parts of our country where the days get shorter in the fall and winter. Along with cognitive therapy and medication management, bright light therapy can help those suffering with Seasonal Affective Disorder or the winter blues. read more (Source: Psychology Today Depression Center)
Source: Psychology Today Depression Center - October 4, 2012 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: John Cline, Ph.D. Tags: Depression Sleep Therapy antidepressant medication autumn and winter bright light therapy circadian rhythm sleep disorders clinical depression cognitive behavioral psychotherapy fall and winter front porches full disclosure light b Source Type: news

Altered resting‐state activity in seasonal affective disorder
Abstract At present, our knowledge about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is based mainly up on clinical symptoms, epidemiology, behavioral characteristics and light therapy. Recently developed measures of resting‐state functional brain activity might provide neurobiological markers of brain disorders. Studying functional brain activity in SAD could enhance our understanding of its nature and possible treatment strategies. Functional network connectivity (measured using ICA‐dual regression), and amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) were measured in 45 antidepressant‐free patients (39.78 ± 10.64, 30 ♀,...
Source: Human Brain Mapping - September 15, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Ahmed Abou Elseoud, Juuso Nissilä, Anu Liettu, Jukka Remes, Jari Jokelainen, Timo Takala, Antti Aunio, Tuomo Starck, Juha Nikkinen, Hannu Koponen, Yu‐Feng Zang, Osmo Tervonen, Markku Timonen, Vesa Kiviniemi Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Melanopsin Gene Variations Interact With Season to Predict Sleep Onset and Chronotype.
Abstract The human melanopsin gene has been reported to mediate risk for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is hypothesized to be caused by decreased photic input during winter when light levels fall below threshold, resulting in differences in circadian phase and/or sleep. However, it is unclear if melanopsin increases risk of SAD by causing differences in sleep or circadian phase, or if those differences are symptoms of the mood disorder. To determine if melanopsin sequence variations are associated with differences in sleep-wake behavior among those not suffering from a mood disorder, the authors tested as...
Source: Chronobiology International - August 10, 2012 Category: Biology Authors: Roecklein KA, Wong PM, Franzen PL, Hasler BP, Wood-Vasey WM, Nimgaonkar VL, Miller MA, Kepreos KM, Ferrell RE, Manuck SB Tags: Chronobiol Int Source Type: research

Bright light therapy in the treatment of childhood and adolescence depression, antepartum depression, and eating disorders
Abstract Circadian rhythm disorders represent an important component underlying the pathology of depression. One of the subtypes of depression, in which these disorders may play a crucial role, is the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The bright light therapy (BLT) has been reported as a novel, promising treatment method for SAD since 1984, and most of the data revealing its efficacy has been referred to adult patients, without comorbid disorders. However, in the recent years, more and more reports have been presented, which confirm the usefulness of BLT in some specific subpopulations of patients, includin...
Source: Journal of Neural Transmission - July 18, 2012 Category: Neurology Tags: Journal of Neural Transmission Source Type: research

Mental health and employment: The SAD story.
Abstract This paper explores the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures and employment status in light of a constructed index related to Seasonal Affective Disorder that depends only on latitude and day of year. In models including demographic covariates and indicators for state, year, and quarter, more hours of darkness is associated with poorer HRQOL, which in turn is associated with a lower likelihood of employment. The relationships between the darkness index and HRQOL measures are stronger overall for women than for men. Inclusion of both the darkness index and the HRQOL measures ...
Source: Economics and Human Biology - July 1, 2012 Category: Biology Authors: Tefft N Tags: Econ Hum Biol Source Type: research

Association of the intronic rs2072621 polymorphism of the X-linked GPR50 gene with affective disorder with seasonal pattern.
Abstract This case-control study found an association between Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and a single nucleotide polymorphism (intronic rs2072621) of the gene encoding GPR50 (an orphan member of the G protein-coupled melatonin receptor subfamily) in females. This may represent a gender-specific risk factor and a molecular link between melatonin and SAD. PMID: 21565467 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Psychiatry)
Source: European Psychiatry - July 1, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Delavest M, Even C, Benjemaa N, Poirier MF, Jockers R, Krebs MO Tags: Eur Psychiatry Source Type: research

Bright light therapy as an add on treatment for medically intractable epilepsy.
CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a significant difference in the responder rates in the low- vs. high-intensity arms of the trial. Some patterns within the data suggest that BLT may warrant further investigation as a treatment for people with hippocampal pathology. Our initial findings suggest that caution should be exercised in using BLT in people with extra temporal focal epilepsy as it may result in an increase in seizures for some. PMID: 22658437 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour)
Source: Epilepsy and Behaviour - June 22, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Baxendale S, O'Sullivan J, Heaney D Tags: Epilepsy Behav Source Type: research

Short-term effects of melatonin and pinealectomy on serotonergic neuronal activity across the light-dark cycle
In this study, single-unit extracellular recordings were used to monitor dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) 5-HT neuronal activity in anesthetized rats, under basal conditions (CTRL), in response to MLT administration, and after pinealectomy (PX) across the light–dark cycle. Under basal conditions, the number of spontaneously active 5-HT neurons and their firing rate were both significantly lower in the dark phase. In the light phase, administration of MLT at low doses (0.5–1 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased 5-HT firing activity. This inhibitory effect of MLT was completely blocked by the MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist luzindole, bu...
Source: Journal of Psychopharmacology - June 8, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Dominguez-Lopez, S., Mahar, I., Bambico, F. R., Labonte, B., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Leyton, M., Gobbi, G. Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Ain't No Sunshine.... (South Florida style)
Floridians need their sunshine. When it rains all day, crabbiness ensues. We live here, in part, because there are virtually no cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder. read more (Source: Psychology Today Depression Center)
Source: Psychology Today Depression Center - May 22, 2012 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D. Tags: Cognition Depression Environment Happiness acronym bad weather condolences continents day of rain drought Florida hell on earth light box light boxes moving to florida permanent vacation respite from rough talk sad se Source Type: news

Vitamin D deficiency and psychotic features in mentally ill adolescents: A cross-sectional study
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a re-emerging epidemic, especially in minority populations. Vitamin D is crucial not only for bone health but for proper brain development and functioning. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with depression, seasonal affective disorder, and schizophrenia in adults but little is known about vitamin D and mental health in the pediatric population. Methods: One hundred four adolescents presenting for acute mental health treatment over a 16-month period were assessed for vitamin D status and the relationship of 25-OH vitamin D levels to severity of illness, defined by presence of psychot...
Source: BMC Psychiatry - Latest articles - May 9, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Barbara GraciousTeresa FinucaneMeriel Freidman-CampbellSusan MessingMelissa Parkhurst Source Type: research

Early, Final Effects of SAD Tx Unrelated (CME/CE)
PHILADELPHIA (MedPage Today) -- Early responses to light therapy for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) do not necessarily predict how patients will ultimately do on the treatment, a researcher said here. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics)
Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics - May 5, 2012 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: news

Clock gene variants in mood and anxiety disorders
Abstract Circadian clocks are driven by signals from the habitat to match the solar day and to reset their phase relative to local time. A key function of the circadian clocks allows individuals to anticipate routine environmental conditions and to adjust their behaviors to the change of conditions. In clinical practice mood, anxiety and alcohol use disorders are often comorbid conditions. Clinical data have demonstrated that there are abnormalities in the circadian rhythms in patients with mood disorders and those with alcohol use disorders. Recent findings of molecular genetics have yielded the first insig...
Source: Journal of Neural Transmission - April 27, 2012 Category: Neurology Tags: Journal of Neural Transmission Source Type: research

How Family and Friends Can Aid Mental Health Recovery
Recovering from mental illness is terrifying and exhausting, both for the person diagnosed and those who stand beside them throughout the recovery process. Sometimes, particularly when the diagnosis is new, the person suffering feels as if they will not ever become well again. Family and friends might be unsure if recovery is possible. They question how they can help. Mental illness creates a feeling of helplessness for everyone involved. My and my family’s experience with chronic mental illness has allowed me to understand how important it is to have a support group. It can define the journey taken to recover from ...
Source: Psych Central - April 11, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Natalie Jeanne Champagne Tags: Bipolar Depression Disorders Family General Medications Parenting Personal Stories Seasonal Affective Disorder Suicide Treatment Attention Deficit Disorder Bipolar Ii Chronic Mental Illness Crayon Dairy Products Erratic Beh Source Type: news

Controlled trial of safety and efficacy of bright light therapy vs. negative air ions in patients with bipolar depression
Abstract: Treatment of bipolar disorder often results in patients taking several drugs in an attempt to alleviate residual depressive symptoms, which can lead to an accumulation of side effects. New treatments for bipolar depression that do not increase the side effect burden are needed. One nonpharmacological treatment with few side effects, bright light therapy, has been shown to be an effective therapy for seasonal affective disorder, yet has not been extensively studied for other forms of depression. Forty-four adults with bipolar disorder, depressed phase were randomized to treatment with bright light therapy, low-den...
Source: Psychiatry Research - March 16, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Deborah Rozenn Dauphinais, Joshua Zev Rosenthal, Michael Terman, Holly Marie DiFebo, Catherine Tuggle, Norman Edward Rosenthal Tags: Affective disorders Source Type: research

Effects of morning compared with evening bright light administration to ameliorate short-photoperiod induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in a diurnal rodent model
Abstract The lack of appropriate animal models for affective disorders is a major factor hindering better understanding of the underlying pathologies and the development of more efficacious treatments. Because circadian rhythms play an important role in affective disorders, we recently suggested that diurnal rodents can be advantageous as model animals. We found that in diurnal rodents, short photoperiod induces depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, with similarities to human seasonal affective disorder. In a pilot study we also found that these behaviors are ameliorated by morning bright light administrat...
Source: Journal of Neural Transmission - March 12, 2012 Category: Neurology Tags: Journal of Neural Transmission Source Type: research

As winter recedes, SAD subsides
For those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, springtime will be a welcome release from the winter blues, writes ELEANOR FITZSIMONS (Source: The Irish Times - Health)
Source: The Irish Times - Health - March 6, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Teenagers more likely to be grumpy with winter blues if they were born in spring
Teenagers born in the spring or summer are more likely to suffer the 'winter blues' than those born in the colder months of autumn or winter, according to University of Bologna researchers. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Source: the Mail online | Health - February 8, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Can transcranial brain-targeted bright light treatment via ear canals be effective in relieving symptoms in seasonal affective disorder? – A pilot study
Abstract: Bright light therapy (BLT) is widely accepted as first-line treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, the mechanism of action of BLT is still widely unknown. On the other hand, in mammals, light penetrates the skull bone and reaches the brain, and extra ocular transcranial phototransduction has physiological influences such as changed reproductive cycles and increased brain serotonin levels. Therefore, we challenged the existing conceptual framework that light therapy would only be mediated through the eyes. Consequently, we run a pilot study on the putative effect of transcranial bright light in t...
Source: Medical Hypotheses - February 2, 2012 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Markku Timonen, Juuso Nissilä, Anu Liettu, Jari Jokelainen, Heidi Jurvelin, Antti Aunio, Pirkko Räsänen, Timo Takala Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Pollen‐specific immunoglobulin E positivity is associated with worsening of depression scores in bipolar disorder patients during high pollen season
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of coupling a molecular marker of vulnerability (allergen‐specific IgE) with a specific environmental trigger (airborne allergens) leading to exacerbation of depression in patients with bipolar I disorder. (Source: Bipolar Disorders)
Source: Bipolar Disorders - February 1, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Partam ManalaiRobert G HamiltonPatricia LangenbergSusan E KosiskyManana LapidusAamar SleemiDebra ScrandisJohanna A CabassaChristine A RogersWilliam T RegenoldFaith DickersonBernard J VittoneAlvaro GuzmanTheodora BalisLeonardo H TonelliTeodor T Postolache Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Winter Doldrums Got You Down? Here’s How to Bounce Back
Adding lights, exercise can help people battling seasonal affective disorder, doctor says (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Psychiatry)
Source: The Doctors Lounge - Psychiatry - January 28, 2012 Category: Psychiatry Authors: webmaster at doctorslounge.com Tags: Psychiatry, Sports Medicine, Alternative Medicine, Nutrition, News, Source Type: news