Depression during the short days of winter and during spring and revival of summer, define the seasonal affective disorder.

This is a form of depression that affects one person in the same period of usually fall or winter. With increasing day summer or spring characteristic, depression disappears. Researchers have studied other possible causes of occurrence of seasonal depression disorder namely internal biological clock (circadian rhythm) or difficulty regale of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) called seasonal affective disorder serotonin a. Phototherapy (light therapy) is the main treatment for this condition, researchers still trying to find the most efficient way to use it. Medications and counseling are also used in seasonal depression of therapy.

Phototherapy (light therapy)

If the sunrise simulation uses a lamp light low intensity scheduled to start at a certain time in the morning, gradually to reach maximum intensity before awakening the patient.

Lights are available in the market and use fluorescent light that is brighter than the inside, but reasons that less intense sunlight. Ultraviolet light, full spectrum light, tanning lamps and lamps that emit heat should not be used. Light source should be positioned at a certain distance from his office in front seat used for daily activities. Phototherapy is recommended to use in sessions of 30 minutes to 2 hours daily, depending on light intensity. Some patients prefer dawn simulation therapy because it works while you sleep.

Light therapy, considered to be effective if used in the morning, may be less suitable for those who have a busy schedule. Some studies have shown that dawn simulation is not as effective as light therapy Phototherapy intens.Pacients respond favorably after 3 to 5 days, sometimes even up to 2 weeks.

For people who have eye problems or taking medicines that make photosensitivity, light therapy should be recommended by a doctor. Phototherapy should be continued throughout the period of this depression. Those who discontinue treatment experience recurrence of the disease.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants effectively treat episodes of depression that occur in patients with seasonal affective disorder. They can be used alone or combined with phototherapy. The most widely used antidepressants in the treatment of seasonal depression include:

Recovery selective inhibitors of serotonin is the first line of antidepressants used to treat seasonal depression. They have the fewest side effects of antidepressants range, and require a period of 3 to 4 weeks until the effects are visible. All antidepressants are progressively increasing doses administrates and stop gradually decreasing doses to avoid dangerous side effects.

The most common side effects of antidepressant medication data are:

  • Nausea, loss of appetite or diarrhea
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness
  • Loss of libido or impotence
  • Headaches

Bupropion can give you dry mouth. This is not indicated in patients with seizures who have severe disturbances in appetite, they may cause seizures.

Counseling

Counseling, and interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavior therapy can be effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. This can be done individually or in family counseling groups. During counseling the patient will be instructed regarding medical conditions, how to handle the symptoms and how to prevent future episodes of depression. Family may play a role in the recognition and treatment of seasonal depression symptoms acceptance.

Author's Bio: 

I am a psychologist leading training sessions, an expert in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), transpersonal psychology and Eastern philosophy.
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