Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal mood disorder, occurs at the same time each year, often starting in late autumn and early winter and ending in late spring and early summer. It's not just winter depression or cabin fever. A rare seasonal mood disorder, summer depression begins in late spring and early summer and ends in autumn. Modern medical research believes that the cause of seasonal depression is mainly due to less sunlight exposure in winter, and the circadian body clock does not adapt to the change in shortening of sunlight time, which leads to circadian disorders and endocrine disorders, and emotional and mental disorders.
Introduction to seasonal depression
Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal mood disorder, is a type of depression (or depression). Attacks occur at the same time each year, often starting in late autumn and early winter and ending in late spring and early summer. It's not just winter depression or cabin fever. A rare seasonal mood disorder, summer depression begins in late spring and early summer and ends in autumn.
People with seasonal mood disorders have more melatonin in the body than ordinary people, which can affect their mood. Scientists have not yet investigated why women get the disease twice as often as men. "USA Today" reported that Michigan patient Jenita said her symptoms had appeared since 7 years ago, when she didn't want to do anything and was able to sit still all day. Doctors are using antidepressants and light therapy to help reduce her symptoms.
At present, there are three commonly used methods for treating "seasonal mood disorders": antidepressants, light therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Reports show that certain antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (also known as Prozac), have a therapeutic effect on 50% to 60% of patients with the disease. This drug treatment method works quickly and is cheaper than phototherapy.
Seasonal depression symptoms
Seasonal depression
People with seasonal depression have the general symptoms of depression: sadness, anxiety, irritability, uninterestedness in things, reduced social activity, and inability to concentrate. Some of its unique symptoms include: drowsiness, increased sugar demand, a strong appetite, and weight gain.
The main symptoms of winter depression are:
Fatigue
Drowsiness
3. lack of energy
4. Strong appetite
5. Unable to concentrate
6. Hope to be alone
The main symptoms of summer depression are:
1.Weight loss
2, sleep disorders
3. Decreased appetite
Between 4% and 6% of people with seasonal mood disorders have had milder winter blues, of which women account for three quarters, most of them 20 to 40 years old. Children and adolescents and the elderly are also likely to get sick.
In high latitudes, the population prevalence is relatively large because of seasonal changes there. It is estimated that 1% of the population in Florida suffers from seasonal mood disorders, compared with 4% in Washington DC and as high as 10% in Alaska.
Causes of seasonal mood disorders caused by seasonal depression
Seasonal depression
The exact cause of seasonal mood disorders is unclear, but in terms of its latitude, changes in sunlight exposure time are a factor. A related theory is that the biological clock that regulates mood sleep and sex hormones is slow due to the short winter sun exposure time.
One exception is that the chemicals that transmit information in the brain of patients with seasonal mood disorders change under the influence of sunlight. Sunlight balances it. [1]
If you have seasonal mood disorders, it is difficult to diagnose yourself. It is best to find a doctor for a comprehensive test. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. There are also seasonal mood disorders symptoms that are not part of other mental problems, and a health professional can help you make an exact diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment of seasonal depression
Seasonal depression
The treatment of seasonal depression usually adopts a comprehensive treatment model of biology, psychology, society, medicine, food, etc.
1. Biological therapy is the foundation, and psychotherapy and social support are important complementary therapies. Adjuvant therapy is one of the important means of biological therapy.
2. For seasonal depression, antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, and citalopram should be selected in time. For patients with anxiety symptoms, various anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam can be used in combination for a short period of time. Under normal circumstances, antidepressant drugs can take effect in about three weeks after administration, and most patients can be significantly improved or cured within 2-3 months, and then maintain treatment for 8-12 months to prevent relapse.
3 The most fashionable way to treat winter depression is light therapy. The earliest case of phototherapy in the world was reported by Lewy (1982). The patient was a recurrent winter depression patient. The phototherapy effectively controlled the condition and recovered. Since then, research on phototherapy has been extensively conducted. As a result, it has been found that the intensity of light is important for the efficacy of winter depression. It is generally believed that light with an intensity of 2500 lux [Lx] is better than 400 it is good. In addition, the effect of long light time is good, two hours in the morning is better than two hours at night. The antidepressant mechanism of phototherapy is mainly that it can inhibit the secretion of melatonin and adjust the phase of circadian rhythm. Some people also think that light therapy can increase the level of plasma adrenaline and increase the function of peripheral lymphocytes to exert antidepressant effects. Light therapy is always effective in the treatment of seasonal mood disorders. The drug can be used alone or in combination with phototherapy. More sun exposure in your home and office, and more outdoor activities are very helpful in treating seasonal mood disorders.
4 Food therapy, there are many foods that are good helpers for depression, such as bananas, oranges in fruits, cucumbers, tomatoes in vegetables, etc. Coffee and cocoa are also excellent psychological medicines. They can enhance the activity of brain cells and improve Depression.
Another treatment is Dawn Simulation. For 90 minutes, artificial light is used to make patients experience from starry nights to early morning sun. However, this method is not as effective as light therapy.
Currently, the latest treatment for seasonal mood disorders is the negative ion method. Sounds baffling, right? When Terman used a negative ion generator for intense light soothing treatment, he accidentally found that high-speed flow of negative ions had a positive effect on improving mood. Studies have shown that air anion content is low in heating and air-conditioning environments. High levels of negative ions in wet areas, forests and seashores. [2]
Seasonal depression sunlight is a good medicine for depression
Seasonal depression
Doctors in Italy believe that if you insist on walking for 30 to 60 minutes every morning and let your face bask in the warm sunshine, the depression will disappear. Doctors' research confirms that sunlight is an excellent natural antidepressant, and morning sunlight works best. Patients in the ward facing the window do not take medication, and they recover a few days earlier than patients in the ward facing the window.
Light therapy is sometimes called light therapy, so that patients are exposed to white light tubes, and the light tubes must be covered with plastic to prevent ultraviolet rays from harming people. The light intensity should be at least 10,000 lux. Patients should not look directly at the light. Instead, sit and read or eat while sitting 2 to 3 feet away from the light source. Light therapy is safe and effective.
There are some mild side effects:
1.Eye fatigue
Headache
3. Irritability
4.Fatigue
5.Insomnia
Studies have shown that light therapy works better in the morning than in the evening. Use at night can easily cause insomnia. Experts recommend receiving light with an intensity of 10,000 lux every morning for about 30 minutes. Symptoms can be improved in two to four days, and full effects can be achieved in two to four weeks. Light therapy should be continued during periods of insufficient light, otherwise the symptoms will repeat after an interruption.
Although a sunbed can also know enough light, it should not be used to treat seasonal mood disorders because the amount of ultraviolet light it produces is harmful to the skin and eyes.
4 Seasonal depression can be effectively prevented. Especially for women, as long as they recognize the possible influence of seasons, especially winter, on people's emotions, arrange work and life scientifically, adjust the rhythm, appropriately increase social activities, promote interpersonal and emotional exchanges, and reduce or avoid as many The impact of life stress events, by increasing outdoor activities to increase the light time in winter, and rationally arranging meals, can certainly prevent the occurrence of winter depression.
For patients who already have winter depression, they should seek medical treatment in a timely manner. Under the guidance of a doctor, patients can obtain satisfactory results after receiving depression drugs or phototherapy.
Prevention of seasonal depression and seasonal mood disorders
Seasonal depression
If you or someone you know has symptoms of seasonal mood disorders, do a thorough check. Ensure that these symptoms are not caused by other depression or illnesses. Other depression causes self-harm or suicide.
If you have been diagnosed with seasonal mood disorders, the following methods can prevent recurrence.
Even on cloudy days, make sure to do some outdoor activities every day. Light is good for the body.
Light therapy is started before the symptoms of depression in winter, such as when there is insufficient light in autumn.
The diet is reasonable, and the Federal Disease Association recommends adequate vitamins and minerals. This will ensure that the body can stay energized even when it lacks sugar. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week. If necessary, see a doctor. Participate in more social activities.
If your condition worsens, or if you think of self-harm or suicide, contact your doctor immediately for treatment.
Judgment criteria for seasonal depression
Seasonal depression
If you have seasonal mood disorders, it is difficult to diagnose yourself. It is best to find a doctor for a comprehensive test. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. There are also seasonal mood disorders symptoms that are not part of other mental problems, and a health professional can help you make an exact diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Depression is light in the morning and night. Typical depression is characterized by rhythmic symptoms, manifested by the pattern of morning, night, and night light changes. Many patients feel extremely distressed and miserable early in the morning. After 3-4 pm, the patient's mood gradually improves, and in the evening, it seems that there is no problem. The next morning will fall into a difficult time of morbid depression. People with seasonal depression have general symptoms of depression, such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, uninterestedness in things, reduced social activity, and inability to concentrate. The main symptoms of winter depression are: fatigue, drowsiness, lack of energy, strong appetite, inability to concentrate, hope to be alone, increased sugar demand, and weight gain. It is difficult to diagnose if you have seasonal mood disorders. When the above symptoms occur, it is best to seek a doctor for a comprehensive test. Sometimes physical problems can also cause depression. There are also seasonal mood disorders. A mental health professional can help you make the exact diagnosis and recommendation
Areas of seasonal depression
Seasonal depression
Some patients experience periods of depression with seasonal changes. This type of major depression that occurs on a seasonal basis is called seasonal depression. Most seasonal depressions often occur in the fall and winter and completely resolve themselves in the spring. In high latitude countries and regions, this type of seasonal depression is relatively high; in addition, seasonal depression is more likely to occur in young people than in other populations. In high-latitude regions (near the polar circle), in the autumn and winter seasons, the sunshine time is very short; while in low-latitude regions (near the equator), there is not much difference in sunshine time throughout the year. The high incidence of seasonal depression in high latitudes suggests a link between sunlight and seasonal depression. Clinical psychologists apply this discovery to the treatment of patients with seasonal depression. They artificially provided these patients with longer periods of light (including natural and artificial light), which effectively relieved the patients' depression symptoms. However, this method is not effective for other types of depression. This also shows that different types of depression have different pathogenic mechanisms. Seasonal depression is more common in high latitudes and is rare in China. To prevent seasonal depression, you can increase outdoor time in winter, receive more light, and exercise outdoors appropriately.
International Trends in Seasonal Depression
The American Psychological Association meeting in Toronto on May 23 reported that carbonated drinks with high sugar content can help those with seasonal depression. The latest research found that two cups of sugar water a day may keep people away from sadness. Many of those people whose moods will fluctuate with the seasons are due to seasonal depression, and it is especially easy to induce depression symptoms in the lack of light in winter. Sugar water or carbohydrates can help the brain secrete a blood complex amine to fight depression. For people with seasonal depression, instead of using high-energy foods such as chocolate to refresh themselves during the depression season, it is better to drink two glasses of carbonated drinks daily to avoid the sorrow and not to consume too much Calories.
How to prevent seasonal depression
If you or someone you know has symptoms of seasonal mood disorders, do a thorough check. Ensure that these symptoms are not caused by other depression or illnesses. Other depression causes self-harm or suicide. If you have been diagnosed with seasonal mood disorders, the following methods can prevent recurrence. Even on cloudy days, make sure to do some outdoor activities every day. Light is good for the body. Light therapy is started before the symptoms of depression in winter, such as when there is insufficient light in autumn. The diet is reasonable, and the Federal Disease Association recommends adequate vitamins and minerals. This will ensure that the body can stay energized even when it lacks sugar. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week. If necessary, see a doctor. Participate in more social activities. If your condition worsens or you have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately for treatment. There are three commonly used treatments for "seasonal mood disorders": antidepressants, light therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Reports show that certain antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (also known as Prozac), have a therapeutic effect on 50% to 60% of patients with the disease. This drug treatment method works quickly and is cheaper than phototherapy. For more people, there are many more economical and convenient treatments. For example, find an open place to stay a little longer, go outdoors for sports, wait for flowers and plants at home, or pick a sunny room and sleep until the sun rises. If you currently live in Argentina, experts suggest that you can also take a two or three-day vacation to a neighboring country, Brazil, for a "tropical lightning trip" and charge more before the fall.
Seasonal depression daily care
1. Face life happily : Face life happily is very important for people, and it also plays a role in the treatment of depression. Depression often leads to a decline in self-esteem and even renunciation. People who are prone to depression are often kind, considerate of others, and altruistic, but they tend to underestimate themselves, degrade themselves, and reject the joy they deserve. Depression patients feel that they are not qualified to enjoy themselves even when their mood is normal. They think that they are not worth being happy and always put the needs of others first. Many parents do just that. They place their children's needs above their own needs without leaving a little time and space for themselves.
2. Learn to relax: Everyone will encounter unsuccessful progress in work or certain aspects of work, or conflicts between husband and wife, or unsatisfactory personal hobbies, or seem to be full of problems in life. So if you tie all your self-esteem to one thing in life, you will definitely become very vulnerable.
3. Health is important: Insomnia is a very common consequence of low moods, which in turn can make you prone to depression. It's difficult to take a direct response to insomnia during a depressive episode because you need to focus on dealing with depression. Therefore, one of the treatments for depression is to develop good sleeping habits when you are in a good mood.
4. Life goal: Depression patients can set a life goal for themselves. If you are prone to depression, you should check your life goals and values, and how you spend time. An important reason for repetitive depression is that what you actually do is not commensurate with what you really value. This disproportion is not manifested in itself, and it is manifested as a general depression.
Getting rid of depression and getting rid of the torment of depression has always been the most concerned issue for all people. While patients receive correct treatment, scientific health care methods are also essential. Continuous depression and torture make many patients feel physically and mentally exhausted. Lily Qingnao Jingshen Decoction is a pure Chinese medicine preparation, which has a significant effect in treating depression, defending its own health, and escorting its own health from now on. [3]
Seasonal Depression News Case
She is usually a good person. In winter, Lin Lin (a pseudonym), 33, works in an advertising company. She is very kind and works hard. But since late November, Lin Lin has changed. She is lazy at work, and people have become irritable, irritable, and difficult to access. One week later, she even took a long vacation. In fact, Lin Lin himself was also very upset. At the end of November two years ago, after a cold wave struck and continued to drizzle for several days, her mood became worse. In the first few days, she couldn't sleep all the time, and finally fell asleep. She was awakened by the sound of her husband at night, and then opened her eyes and waited for dawn. Sleeping for 3 or 4 hours per day is simply not enough. Her mood also becomes irritable and even anxious. She doesn't want to participate in the usual fitness exercises. The children do not pick up and drop off and do housework. Her husband was very cynical about this, she quarreled with her husband, cried in bed and kept crying, and didn't want to go to class. No way, I took a few days off to rest at home, but Lin Lin's condition did not improve, but it became more and more serious. She went to bed every day and ate too much. Later, Lin Lin even felt that it was boring to live and became suicidal . Under the introduction of a friend, the family brought Lin Lin to the Chengdu Mental Health Center for help. The doctor diagnosed that Lin Lin was suffering from seasonal depression. Due to prolonged delay, his condition was already serious. The doctor gave Lin Lin some psychological counseling and prescribed some medicines, telling him to take them on time every day. Two months later, with the beginning of spring, Lin Lin's condition became clear with the weather. But every year after that, around December, she will "sick", but with her first experience, Lin Lin will go to the doctor in time when she is in a bad mood. Under the drug-assisted treatment, about 1, 2 It will gradually return to normal within months.
