Treating Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Posted on December 9, 2024 by nwmind5bg

Treating Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern, previously referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that follows a recurring seasonal cycle. Most commonly, individuals experience symptoms during the fall and winter months, though some may struggle in the spring or summer. This condition can significantly impact mood, energy, and daily functioning, but the good news is that effective treatments are available. With the right approach, those affected can manage their symptoms and find relief. The following list consists of commonly used treatment options.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This approach can reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and teach individuals how to manage their emotions more effectively.

Antidepressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern. SSRIs help balance serotonin levels, which are often disrupted in people with this condition.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with SAD, particularly in the winter months. Supplementing with Vitamin D can improve mood and reduce symptoms, especially in those with low levels of this vital nutrient.

Light Therapy

Light therapy involves sitting in front of a bright light box (10,000 lux) for about 30–45 minutes each morning. This has been a well-established treatment since the 1980s and mimics natural sunlight, which can help regulate your body’s internal clock and reduce symptoms associated with seasonal depression.

Getting Help

If you suspect that you are suffering from Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Seeking support can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

To learn more about this condition and its treatments, here are some helpful resources:

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern
NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health): Seasonal Affective Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern can feel overwhelming, but it is treatable. With the right support, including psychotherapy, antidepressants, light therapy, and vitamin D supplementation, you can manage symptoms and feel better throughout the year.

At NW Mind-Body Wellness, we offer compassionate care to help you achieve balance and mental wellness. Whether you’re struggling with seasonal depression or looking to improve your overall mental health, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

To learn more about our services, contact us today and take the next step toward feeling better.

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Depressive Disorders

Posted on February 11, 2023February 11, 2023 by nwmind5bg

Depressive Disorders

There are multiple different types of depressive disorders. People often view these disorders as the same thing, however, they vary in symptoms and causes. Determining what type of depression you are experiencing is important in creating a treatment plan that is right for you. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of depression.

One of the most common mental health conditions is depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 280 million people worldwide have depression.

Although the symptoms of depression may vary depending on what type you are experiencing, depression can often affect the way that an individual thinks, feels, and acts. Fortunately, treatment for depression has proven effective for many. With the right treatment plan many experience relief from their symptoms.

The following consists of information on many, but not all, of the common types of depression.

Types of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

For one to be diagnosed with MDD, their symptoms will have lasted for more than two weeks and typically cause significant interference with daily activities.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) (also referred to as dysthymia)

PDD often causes less severe symptoms of depression. However, the symptoms last longer, typically for at least two years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

For those with seasonal affective disorder, their symptoms typically come and go with the changing of seasons. Most individuals with SAD experience symptoms of depression in the fall and winter, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months.

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression can be experienced during pregnancy, or after delivery of the baby (postpartum depression).

SYmptoms

The signs and symptoms of depression vary by person and type of depression, but they commonly include:

Feeling sad or hopeless
Changes in sleeping pattern
Lack of interest in once enjoyable activities
Trouble thinking or concentrating
Changes in appetite
Anxiety
Irritability or frustration
Feelings of guilt
Lack of energy
Suicidal thoughts

Causes and RIsk Factors

There are many causes and risk factors for depressive disorders. Although there is no one clear cause for the disorder, risk factors include:

Life circumstances such as relationships, financial situations, and more can influence someone developing depression.
Trauma can cause long-term changes in the way that one thinks and make them more vulnerable to depression.
Genetics play a strong role in mood disorders as they tend to run in families.
Other medical conditions can contribute to depression. Many physical and mental health conditions can increase one’s risk for depression.

Treatment

Symptoms of depression can often be relieved through treatment. Studies show that depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses. After proper evaluation, a health care provider can help create a treatment plan suited to you. Treatment plans may include a combination of:

Medication
- Antidepressants are the most common medication used to treat depression. In some cases, mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications may also be prescribed.
Psychotherapy
- Psychotherapy is commonly used to treat depression and can be very beneficial. Commonly used types of psychotherapy used in the treatment of depression include cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family-focused therapy.
Self Help
- There are a variety of ways that an individual can help reduce symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression are often decreased by exercise, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and more.

Crisis Help

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:

Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room
Call the toll-free, 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline hotline at 988

Learn More

To learn more about depressive disorders, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider.
To read more, the following resources are suggested:
- NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
- NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
- WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

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Recognizing Depression

Posted on December 21, 2022 by nwmind5bg

Recognizing Depression

Recognizing depression isn’t always easy. However, it is important to know the warning signs of depression so that you can get the help you may need. Symptoms of depression may vary by person, but for many these symptoms interfere with day-to-day life. Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is more than just a rough patch, but rather a serious mental health condition. Treatment for depression is vital, as when left untreated, symptoms can worsen and further interfere with one’s life.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. NAMI reported that in 2020, at least 8.4% of the U.S. population experienced at least one major depressive episode.

It is important to understand the symptoms of depression so that you can recognize the signs, and get treatment if necessary.

The following includes information on common symptoms of depression, forms of depression, and causes and risk factors.

SYMPTOMS

Depression symptoms vary by person and form of depression. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

Loss of energy
Lack of interest in activities
Hopelessness
Trouble concentrating
Changes in sleep
Feelings of guilt
Change of appetite
Physical aches and pains
Suicidal thoughts

COMMON Forms OF Depression

Major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression)
Persistent depressive disorder
Postpartum depression
Seasonal affective disorder

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There are many causes and risk factors for depression, current studies within the United States suggest risk factors for depression include a combination of:

Genetics
Environmental stress
Other medical conditions

CRISIS HELP

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:

Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room
Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988

TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of depression, as well as treatment options, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
To read more about depression, the following resources are suggested:
- NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression
- NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/

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Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month

Posted on December 2, 2022 by nwmind5bg

Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month

December is recognized as Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month. Although colder weather and shorter days bring the spirit of many down, individuals with this disorder experience more than just typical “winter blues.” The symptoms caused by this disorder can create hardship and interfere with almost all aspects of daily life.

The disorder is now commonly referred to as Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern, but it still holds the same meaning.

The vast majority of those experiencing the disorder have winter-pattern SAD, and experience symptoms from late fall to winter, lasting about 4 to 5 months each year. It is called summer-pattern SAD for those who experience symptoms in the spring or summer months.

For those struggling with this disorder, there is hope. Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month provides the perfect time to learn more about the disorder and how it is treated. Like other types of depression, there are treatment options for major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern that have been proven beneficial to many.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern are associated with those of major depressive disorder. Common symptoms include but are not limited to:

Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
Sleeping too much or too little
Having low energy
Feeling depressed most days
Changes in appetite or weight
Thoughts of death or suicide

Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a winter seasonal pattern

Oversleeping
Overeating, and particularly craving carbohydrates
Social withdraw or distancing yourself from others
Weight gain

Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a summer seasonal pattern

Insomnia
Anxiety
Restlessness
Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
Agitation

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used as it helps teach individuals how to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones.
Antidepressants
- Like other forms, this type of depression is associated with disturbances in serotonin, which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat.

Vitamin D
- Many people with this disorder often have a vitamin D deficiency. Due to this, nutritional supplements of vitamin D may help improve their symptoms.
Light therapy
- Light therapy has been used since the 1980s to help treat this depressive disorder. Patients of this therapy sit in front of a very bright light (10,000 lux) each morning for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

To learn more, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
To read more, the following resources are suggested:
- NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Major-Depressive-Disorder-with-a-Seasonal-Pattern
- NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern

Posted on October 14, 2022 by nwmind5bg

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern

Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD) is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern. With symptoms lasting about four to five months each year, the vast majority of people with this disorder experience their symptoms from late fall to winter. However, some may experience symptoms during the spring and summer, which is referred to as major depressive disorder with a summer pattern.

For those struggling with this disorder, there is hope. Like other types of depression, there are treatment options that have been proven beneficial to many.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern are associated with those of major depressive disorder. Common symptoms include but are not limited to:

Feeling depressed most days
Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
Sleeping too much or too little
Feeling a lack of energy
Changes in appetite or weight
Thoughts of death or suicide

Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a winter seasonal pattern

Social withdraw or distancing yourself from others
Oversleeping
Overeating, and particularly craving carbohydrates
Weight gain

Specific symptoms for major depressive disorder with a summer seasonal pattern

Insomnia
Anxiety
Restlessness
Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
Agitation

Risk Factors

Like many mental health conditions, there is no one cause or risk-factor for the disorder. However, the National Institute of Mental Health have studied various conditions that may increase one’s risk of having major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. These studied factors that may increase prevalence of the disorder include:

Younger individuals are at higher risk
Women are more likely than men to experience this condition
Prevalence increases among people living in higher/northern latitudes

Treatment and Therapies

Treatment and therapies may vary but treatment plans commonly include:

Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used as it helps teach individuals how to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones.
Antidepressants
- Like other forms, this type of depression is associated with disturbances in serotonin, which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat.

Vitamin D
- Many people with this disorder, especially those with a winter pattern, have a vitamin D deficiency. Due to this, nutritional supplements of vitamin D may help improve their symptoms.
Light therapy
- Light therapy has been used since the 1980s to help treat the winter pattern type of this depressive disorder. Patients of this therapy sit in front of a very bright light (10,000 lux) each morning for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

To learn more, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
To read more, the following resources are suggested:
- NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Major-Depressive-Disorder-with-a-Seasonal-Pattern
- NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Return to home page: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/

Read more articles: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/

Types of Depression

Posted on October 8, 2022 by nwmind5bg

Types of Depression

There are many different types of depression, each with their own causes and symptoms. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of depression. By discovering what type of depression you are experiencing, the right treatment for you can be determined.

One of the most common mental health conditions is depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 280 million people worldwide have depression.

The following consists of information on many, but not all, of the common types of depression.

Types of Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

For one to be diagnosed with MDD, their symptoms will have lasted for more than two weeks and typically cause significant interference with daily activities.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) (also referred to as dysthymia)

PDD often causes less severe symptoms of depression. However, the symptoms last longer, typically for at least two years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

For those with seasonal affective disorder, their symptoms typically come and go with the changing of seasons. Most individuals with SAD experience symptoms of depression in the fall and winter, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months.

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression can be experienced during pregnancy, or after delivery of the baby (postpartum depression).