Spring Break
How to beat the winter blues
Doctors recommend treatments for seasonal affective disorder
Caitlin Heidbrink
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Money/Health
"In most cases, we are able to find a treatment plan for the patient that helps them cope with the winter months as well as all year long," Weggel said.
There are three main treatments for SAD. Light therapy, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are all viable options, Sorensen said, adding while all three may help the depression, it is something that must be dealt with each year.
Light therapy involves literally exposing the eyes to special, more intense lamps on a regular basis, Sorensen said, adding these lamps can be purchased for this form of treatment.
According to the American Family Physician study, early morning light therapy regulates the circadian pattern of melatonin secretion.
Anti-depressant medication given for normal depression can also be used to ease symptoms of SAD. Like any medication, Sorensen said, patients must try different brands to see which works best for them.
Cognitive behavioral therapy simply involves talking with a therapist about strategies to cope with SAD.
Weggel suggested other treatment options including increased exposure to light by getting outside during daylight hours, using full spectrum bulbs at work and home, getting more exercise - preferably outdoors - eating fewer carbohydrates and more protein, fruit, vegetables or taking a vacation in a sunny, warm location.
Duran has her own method of treatment.
"I lay in a tanning booth for five to eight minutes every few days, and the heat and brightness of the lamps helps me relax and get in a better mood, and when I do that, I feel a lot better for the next couple of days," she said.
There are also behaviors that can make SAD worse. Sorensen said it may become full-blown depression if an individual does not monitor signs such as overeating or isolating oneself. What is already bad can become worse and create a vicious cycle, she said.
She said using other depressants, such as drugs and alcohol, can also worsen SAD.
"Anytime you're abusing alcohol or using anything like that to cope, you're going to exacerbate it and make it worse," Sorensen said.
Over ten million people are susceptible to SAD in the United States alone, she said. However, Sorensen said she doesn't think many people actually address the fact that they might have SAD and that it is something people think they have to deal with on their own. In addition, she added, there might be shame in acknowledging a struggle with depression.
"When people realize they have SAD, it takes a lot of the unknown and shame away," Sorensen said, "They can learn to use strategies to deal with it."
There are three main treatments for SAD. Light therapy, medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are all viable options, Sorensen said, adding while all three may help the depression, it is something that must be dealt with each year.
Light therapy involves literally exposing the eyes to special, more intense lamps on a regular basis, Sorensen said, adding these lamps can be purchased for this form of treatment.
According to the American Family Physician study, early morning light therapy regulates the circadian pattern of melatonin secretion.
Anti-depressant medication given for normal depression can also be used to ease symptoms of SAD. Like any medication, Sorensen said, patients must try different brands to see which works best for them.
Cognitive behavioral therapy simply involves talking with a therapist about strategies to cope with SAD.
Weggel suggested other treatment options including increased exposure to light by getting outside during daylight hours, using full spectrum bulbs at work and home, getting more exercise - preferably outdoors - eating fewer carbohydrates and more protein, fruit, vegetables or taking a vacation in a sunny, warm location.
Duran has her own method of treatment.
"I lay in a tanning booth for five to eight minutes every few days, and the heat and brightness of the lamps helps me relax and get in a better mood, and when I do that, I feel a lot better for the next couple of days," she said.
There are also behaviors that can make SAD worse. Sorensen said it may become full-blown depression if an individual does not monitor signs such as overeating or isolating oneself. What is already bad can become worse and create a vicious cycle, she said.
She said using other depressants, such as drugs and alcohol, can also worsen SAD.
"Anytime you're abusing alcohol or using anything like that to cope, you're going to exacerbate it and make it worse," Sorensen said.
Over ten million people are susceptible to SAD in the United States alone, she said. However, Sorensen said she doesn't think many people actually address the fact that they might have SAD and that it is something people think they have to deal with on their own. In addition, she added, there might be shame in acknowledging a struggle with depression.
"When people realize they have SAD, it takes a lot of the unknown and shame away," Sorensen said, "They can learn to use strategies to deal with it."
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