HomeBlogHealthcare ProviderColder Temperatures, Increased Depression? Understanding Your Patients’ Seasonal Depression Colder Temperatures, Increased Depression? Understanding Your Patients’ Seasonal Depression December 20, 2019Happy(er) Holidays, Healthcare Provider Soon, patients will start coming into your office carrying coats, scarves and winter hats. They might also carry a hidden illness: seasonal depression. Seasonal depression – also known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD – is a kind of depression that typically happens in late fall and winter. While little is known about the cause, the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests biological reasons may contribute: Neurotransmitter regulation issues: People with SAD may have trouble regulating serotonin; in fact, the NIMH writes: “one study found that people with SAD have 5 percent more serotonin transporter protein in winter months than summer months. Higher serotonin transporter protein leaves less serotonin available at the synapse because the function of the transporter is to recycle neurotransmitter back into the pre-synaptic neuron.” Melatonin Overproduction: Darkness increases production of melatonin, which regulates sleep. As winter days become shorter, melatonin production increases, leaving people with SAD to feel sleepier and more lethargic, often with delayed circadian rhythms. Vitamin D Underproduction: People with SAD also may produce less Vitamin D, which is believed to help with serotonin activity. Further, the Mayo Clinic indicates that patient’s circadian rhythm may have something to do with seasonal depression. As the nights get longer and daylight hours decrease, the body’s internal clock can be disrupted, which could lead to depressive symptoms. While more research should be done to determine the cause of seasonal depression, there are ways to help patients battling this disease. Understanding Seasonal Depression Seasonal depression can start at any point in a person’s life, but most people start to experience seasonal depression between 18 and 30 years of age. According to Yale School of Medicine, “up to four times as many women suffer from winter depression or SAD as men.” Those living in Canada and the northern United States are up to eight times more likely to suffer from SAD than people living in the southern U.S. and nearer to the Equator where the sun shines more in the winter months. Like major depressive disorder, those suffering from seasonal depression experience sadness, fatigue, social withdrawal, and reduced productivity. However, Yale School of Medicine says that healthcare providers should also look out for “carbohydrate cravings, especially for sweets and/or starches” and oversleeping. Light Therapy as a Promising Depression Treatment One of the most promising ways to treat seasonal depression is light therapy. According to an article in The New York Times, more than 60 clinical studies have demonstrated that light therapy alleviates seasonal depression symptoms. The Yale School of Medicine states that patients undergoing light therapy treatment should daily spend 30 to 45 minutes before 8 am with a 10,000 lux light therapy box. The light box should be “capable of providing light with an intensity of 10,000 photopic lux at a distance of at least 12 inches. The therapy lamp should be of sufficient size to provide this illumination even if the patient moves somewhat during use: full size light boxes are the most convenient and have a light emitting area of at least 12 inches by 12 inches.” An online search shows that these lamps are available from a variety of online and big box stores. While some models retail for between $30 and $60, some models can cost upwards of $100. Can Seasonal Depression Be Prevented? Seasonal depression usually starts at the same time of year – late autumn or early winter. This cyclical pattern of SAD may allow some patients to take preventative actions. According to an article in American Family Physician, beginning light therapy in early fall before the patient starts to exhibit symptoms of seasonal depression may help. Likewise, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) “may reduce the recurrence and severity of depressive symptoms.” Additionally, lifestyle changes may help alleviate some symptoms of SAD, including: “exercising more often, increasing light in the home, practicing relaxation and stress management techniques, spending more time outside, and visiting sunnier, warmer climates.” Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors. If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful. Published: December 20, 2019 Patient Which Mental Health Provider Should I Consider? A Symptom-Based Guide The support of a good healthcare provider can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. But how do you connect to one in a sea of ... 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Patient Which Mental Health Provider Should I Consider? A Symptom-Based Guide The support of a good healthcare provider can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. But how do you connect to one in a sea of ... Read more
Patient One explanation for why we experience Side Effects? Understanding Your Genetic Response to Antidepressants Antidepressants often play an essential role in helping patients with their mental health conditions. But as many patients can attest, it’s frustrating when... Read more
Patient Barriers at Every Turn: How Systemic and Social Factors Block Men from Mental Health Care Taking the important step of seeking care for mental health isn’t always an easy decision. Uncertainty about the need for care, social stigmas associated wi... Read more
Healthcare Provider Overcoming Side Effect Concerns: Leveraging Pharmacogenomic Insights to Inform Depression and Anxiety Medication Selection Whitnee Brown, a lifelong resident now practicing in Birmingham, Alabama has nearly an entire alphabet following her name, abbreviations for degrees and certifi... Read more
Patient Concerns about Mental Health Medication Side Effects Remain a Barrier to Getting Help for Those Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety Lisa Roberts has raised a family, reached an impressively high level in her career, and was an anchor for her mother and other family members. When, within ... Read more
Patient Common Antidepressant Side Effects Taking an antidepressant can be an effective way to help treat a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. However, these medications can also cre... Read more
Patient MTHFR Mutations: Clinical Implications and Management Strategies MTHFR mutations—changes in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene—have gained increased attention in the medical community due to their potent... Read more
Patient Can an App Help Me Manage My Anxiety? Health and wellness smartphone apps have become so common that if you can name a health goal, desire or condition, you can probably find an app for it. N... Read more
Patient Black Trailblazers of Psychiatry and Mental Health: A Legacy of Healing and Advocacy As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recognize a few individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of psychiatry and mental heal... Read more
Patient Mindful Moments: Tips for Anxiety If a well-meaning friend or family member has ever told you to “just breathe” when you’re feeling worked up or stressed out, you’d be forgiven if you felt l... Read more