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Emotions/Immune System | S.A.D. Treatment
Advances in the Treatment of S.A.D.
Research indicates that light therapy is a biologically active and effective antidepressant.
Increasing evidence suggests that light works at least in part by boosting a chemical in the brain known as serotonin. This is the same chemical stimulated by medications such as the antidepressant Prozac and the diet drug Redux. Studies by Dr. Norman Rosenthal and co-workers at the NIMH strongly implicate serotonin dysfunction in seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.). Dr. Raymond Lam's group in Canada has shown that the antidepressant effects of light can be reversed by an amino acid drink known to reverse the effects of antidepressants which boost serotonin.
Dr. Michael Norden with Dr. Timothy Brewerton and others shows that higher levels of sunshine are associated with increased serotonin function, as well as increases in the stimulant-like chemical dopamine. In contrast, heat was associated with reductions in both. These findings were based on analyzing spinal fluid from nearly 200 normal volunteers. Women showed a stronger link with sunshine and men with temperature. Notably, winter depression (the preferred term for S.A.D., winter pattern) which appears to be related to light deprivation, is about four times more common in women than in men.
While bright light treatment is now well established as a treatment for winter depression, a new form of light therapy called dawn simulation also appears to be effective. Dawn simulation involves the use of bedroom illumination to stimulate the gently rising light of sunrise. It is generally experienced while asleep, just prior to the time one wishes to awaken. Controlled trials have shown good results in treating winter depression. A study conducted by Dr. Norden in collaboration with Dr. David Avery also showed that people not suffering depression, but experiencing milder symptoms in the winter, such as low energy, difficulty awakening, or poor concentration also benefited.
Dawn simulation appears to be particularly good at helping people wake up on dark winter mornings and may be used in conjunction with standard bright light therapy. Since bright light therapy is often recommended to be done first thing in the morning, just getting up in time may be the most challenging aspect of treatment. A dawn simulator can make awakening early more likely--as well as more pleasant.
A single form of treatment is generally inadequate to really restore people to their summer level of functioning. Many will require a combination of therapies which may involve elements such as exercise, nutrition, and medication. Each form of treatment appears to have certain particular strengths and together the treatments can be quite synergistic.
Those interested in learning more about other forms of treatment for depression may read about them in detail in beyond prozac by Dr. Michael Norden, which covers a broad range of treatments addressing lifestyle, nutrition, medication, and various naturalistic or so-called "alternative" treatments. With the range of treatments now available the vast majority of people will be able to find effective solutions to the dark months of winter. Visit physicianschoice.net for innovative products that can improve your well-being. Visit depression-and-anxiety.com which offers extensive educational information.
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