Winter depression..serial symptoms affected by climatic changes

Weather of Arabia - Medical website - Seasonal Affective Disorder - SAD is considered one of the types of emotional disorder and depression associated with climatic changes, and it is more common during the fall and winter months, so it is called winter depression, But it may occur less frequently during the summer months. Winter depression affects women more than men. For a diagnosis of the disease must occur over at least three consecutive seasons.

Winter depression is more common among people in their teens or between the ages of 25 and 35, and it is more common in women than men, as is the case with other types of depression. Family history, depression, and living in geographic areas with long winters also increases the chances of developing the disease.

Why does winter depression happen?

Researchers attribute the symptoms of winter depression to the biological changes in the body associated with climate changes that lead to:

• Disruption of the biological clock (English: Biological Clock) as a result of lack of exposure to sunlight and changes in body temperature.
• Imbalance of the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin (in English: Serotonin) in the brain, which scientists call (the passport to serenity and calm) for its important role in maintaining a calm mood.
• Disruption of the secretion of the hormone melatonin (English: Melatonin), which is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays an important role in regulating the biological clock, sleep cycles and stabilizing mood.
• Nutritional imbalance as a result of relying on a diet rich in simple sugars and saturated fats, in addition to excessive alcohol consumption, especially in the winter.

Symptoms of seasonal depression

Symptoms of winter depression usually start sequential and increase gradually, are similar to typical depressive symptoms and vary with geographic seasons.

winter depression symptoms

Symptoms of winter depression include:

• Appetite changes, especially binge eating and rush to eat sugars and fats.
• Increase in weight.
• Sleeping for long periods of time, especially during the day.
• Feeling of lethargy, loss of energy and slow movement.
• Lack of focus, especially during afternoons.
• Social isolation, introversion and lack of participation in various activities.
• Low sexual desire.
• Feeling of sporadic aches in the body.
• Irregular menstruation (in women).

summer depression symptoms

Symptoms of summer depression include:

• Weakness or loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Insomnia.
• Constant feeling of tension and nervousness.
• Increased sexual desire.

There is a disorder opposite to seasonal mood disorder. During the spring and summer months, people with bipolar disorder may experience symptoms of manic-depressive disorder, which are permanently severe mood with hyperactivity, agitation, agitation and emotional impulsivity, in addition to a rapid chase of thoughts and speech, This is what is called Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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winter depression treatment

The treatment regimen for seasonal mood disorder is based on several aspects such as light therapy, antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, diet, as well as measures related to lifestyle behaviors, taking some supplements and resorting to some complementary medicine therapies such as acupuncture, massages, yoga, and visualization Orientation, relaxation exercises.

light therapy

Light therapy depends on the use of bright white light similar to sunlight, emitted by a special light source of about 10,000 lux, (lux is equal to the light of one candle, and the average light for homes ranges between 50 to 500 lux). In order to complete the photodynamic therapy correctly, the patient is advised to stand several feet away (foot = approximately 30 cm) from the light source for about 30 minutes a day, especially in the early morning, and the patient's eyes must be open provided that he does not look directly at the light source.

With correct use of phototherapy, symptoms should improve within 3-4 weeks. The most important side effects of phototherapy are eye fatigue and headache. Caution must be exercised if the patient is taking drugs that increase the body's sensitivity to light, such as some types of antibiotics and drugs that treat psoriasis, and caution must be exercised while using phototherapy in the treatment of bipolar depression.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants (English: Antidepressants) can be used under medical supervision, and the most famous drugs used in the treatment of seasonal depression are Fluoxetine, Prozac venlafaxine (effexor), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine Paxil.

Diet

On the nutritional level, some foods may play an important role, and the diet includes the following:

• Replace serotonin, so it is recommended to eat more foods rich in serotonin, such as avocados, dates, prunes, peaches, bananas, papayas, pineapples, and tomatoes.
• Foods rich in the amino acid Tryptophan (English: Tryptophan), which is converted in the body into serotonin, such as lean meat, turkey, fish, eggs, legumes, and low-fat dairy products.
• Excessive intake of foods rich in the amino acid tyrosin, which is converted in the body into adrenaline and dopamine, such as fish, shellfish, poultry, turkey, non-fatty meats, some types of processed cheese, skimmed milk, yogurt, and eggs, which are Neurotransmitters important for the function of the nervous system help increase focus and attention.
• Eating a balanced diet to provide the necessary energy for the body while maintaining weight and helping the body to control sudden bouts of hunger and bingeing.
• Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown bread, barley bread, corn, oats, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, and diet pastries, as well as fruits such as peaches, apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, and vegetables. Green vegetables contain few calories and fats that help the patient control bouts of appetite and hunger and maintain body weight.

Tips to avoid seasonal depression

• Make sure to sit in brightly lit rooms, especially on dark days.
• Use full range fluorescent lighting in home or workplace lighting.
• Make all curtains and furniture covers as light as possible.
• Make sure to sit near open windows and open windows and curtains that block sunlight.
• Walking for long periods in the fresh air and exercising regularly, even on cloudy and rainy days.
• Some herbal supplements such as St. John's wart, melatonin supplements, or omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be used.

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