[ad_1]
Winter depression or seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression listed in the American Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).DSM-5This disorder has been identified as a type of depression – major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern that occurs with the change of seasons. In this report, we learn about the symptoms and treatment of winter depression, according to the website of the American Psychiatric Association.
People with seasonal depression experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. Symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is little sunlight and usually improve with the onset of spring.
Winter depression symptoms can be annoying and can interfere with daily functioning, however, they are treatable.
Winter depression has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain caused by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight. In winter, as the seasons change, people experience a shift in their internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, that can cause them to not keep up with their daily schedule.
winter depression symptoms
Symptoms of winter depression include the following:
Tiredness, even with sleeping too much, and weight gain associated with overeating and cravings for carbohydrates. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can vary from mild to severe and can include many symptoms similar to major depression, such as:
Feeling sad or depressed
Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite, usually eating more, increased desire to eat carbohydrates
Changes in sleep Usually sleeps a lot
Loss of energy or increased tiredness despite more hours of sleep
Increase in unintended physical activity (eg, inability to sit still, or speed) or slowing of movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be noticeable to others)
Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Seasonal affective disorder may begin at any age, but it usually begins when a person is between 18 and 30 years old.
winter depression treatment
Seasonal affective disorder can be treated in several ways, including light therapy, antidepressant medication, talk therapy, or a combination of these methods. While symptoms generally improve on their own with the change of season, symptoms can improve more quickly with treatment.
Phototherapy involves sitting in front of a light therapy box that emits a very bright light (and filters harmful UV rays) usually taking 20 minutes or more per day, usually first thing in the morning during the winter months.
Most people see some improvement from light therapy within a week or two of starting treatment.
To maintain benefits and prevent relapse, treatment is usually continued through the winter because of the expected return of symptoms in late fall. Some people may begin phototherapy in early fall to prevent symptoms.
Talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help.CBTEffectively treat seasonal depression. and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)SSRIsIt is a type of antidepressant most commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorder.
For some people, increased exposure to sunlight can help improve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, for example spending time outside or arranging your home or office so that you’re exposed to a window during the day.
Taking care of your overall health can help improve symptoms of winter depression — including getting regular exercise, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, staying active and participating in social activities (such as volunteering, participating in group activities, and meeting with friends and family).
If you feel you have symptoms of social anxiety disorder, seek help from a trained medical professional. As with other forms of depression, it is important to ensure that no other medical condition is causing the symptoms.
Seasonal affective disorder can be misdiagnosed if hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections are present, so proper evaluation is key.
[ad_2]