Posts Tagged ‘Depression’
S.A.D.
Thursday, January 14th, 2010
Q: I think I’m suffering from SAD. Is there any way of treating it without having to go on antidepressants?
A: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)is a condition in which the body is not exposed to enough sunlight to maintain normal levels of serotonin. It is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, patients tend to feel depressed, slow down, oversleep, overeat and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer they tend to feel elated, active and energetic. (more…)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009Q: The dark days of winter are leaving me sad and depressed. Could I be suffering from SAD? Is there any way of treating it without having to go on antidepressants?
A: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)is a condition in which the body is not exposed to enough sunlight to maintain normal levels of serotonin. It is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, patients tend to feel depressed, slow down, oversleep, overeat and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer they tend to feel elated, active and energetic.
A lot can be done to help with SAD, extending light exposure on winter days for thirty minutes a day under a full-spectrum fluorescent lamp, or under very bright artificial light, or in a ‘light box’, should begin to improve symptoms within three to four weeks.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body in response to the rhythms of light and darkness. Changes in melatonin levels are believed to be an important factor in seasonal depression however, levels will change according to one’s exposure to sunlight, so although it is sometimes prescribed to help SAD, it does not address the root cause. If taken at night it can help, however, it can also make insomnia worse as days grow longer in late winter. For this reason, I tend to discourage supplementation.
Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) extract or 5-HTP improves SAD and is more effective in combination with light therapy. This herb is restricted to prescription through herbal consultation only. Dosages of 300mg three times daily were found to improve SAD.
Vitamin D is well known for its effects on helping to maintain normal calcium levels, but it also exerts influence on the brain, spinal cord, and hormone-producing tissues of the body that may be important in the regulation of mood. A double-blind study found that mood improved in healthy people without SAD who received 400 or 800 IU per day of vitamin D for five days in late winter.
Try to exercise one hour of aerobic or anaerobic exercise three times a week in bright light to further improve mood.
For further information on Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression contact ICIM Medics, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel. 045 844 819 www.icim.ie
Relieving PMS Symptoms
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Q : Every month I suffer from PMS can you recommend anything to help ?
A : Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) covers a variety of symptoms both emotional and physical. Studies confirm that PMS symptoms are predominantly caused by raised oestrogen and progesterone levels. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, an excess of stress chemicals such as adrenaline and physical stress from food allergy & digestive related problems may all make matters worse.
Reduce fat intake (fat produces oestrogen) & supplement with omega 6 & omega 3 fatty acids (Evening Primrose Oil / Flaxseed oil). Introduce high-fiber (ground flaxseeds) to assure daily bowel motions (oestrogen is excreted from the large intestine) and exercise more. Avoid caffeine and chocolate as they stimulate stress hormones.
Liver support (site for oestrogen clearance in the body) Herbs: Goldenseal, barberry bark, milk thistle, and dandelion root all provide liver support & help treat digestive disorders.
Supplements : vitamin B6 & magnesium-calcium supplements help relieve PMS. Vitamins A, C, and E and the minerals selenium, zinc, and iron are also beneficial.
Herbal support: Agnes Castus for cramping, breast pain, acne flare ups & irregular menstrual cycle (usually late) (do not take if you are on the pill); Wild yam for painful menstruation & ovarian pain; Dong Quai for cramping, migraine & ovarian pains, it is a menstrual regulator; Damiana is an hormonal tonic, helps libido, depression & energy levels. These herbs can taken together if needed. However, supervision would be recommended.
Homoeopathic remedies in a 30C & taken twice daily; Sepia for irregular periods with sadness & weeping. Dragging sensations.; Calc Carb for early periods, profuse and long lasting periods; sore breasts before & during period; Kali Carb for backache before & during menses, feels badly week before menstruation; Pulsatilla late or irregular periods, pains changeable and weepy.
For further information on PMS please call ICIM Medics 045 844 819 or visit our website www.icimmedics.com
Is there any way of treating SAD without having to go on antidepressants?
Monday, January 19th, 2009
Q : The dark days of winter are leaving me sad and depressed. Could I be suffering from SAD? Is there any way of treating it without having to go on antidepressants?
A : Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)is a condition in which the body is not exposed to enough sunlight to maintain normal levels of serotonin. It is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, patients tend to feel depressed, slow down, oversleep, overeat and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer they tend to feel elated, active and energetic.
A lot can be done to help with SAD, extending light exposure on winter days for thirty minutes a day under a full-spectrum fluorescent lamp, or under very bright artificial light, or in a ‘light box’, should begin to improve symptoms within three to four weeks.
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body in response to the rhythms of light and darkness. Changes in melatonin levels are believed to be an important factor in seasonal depression however, levels will change according to one’s exposure to sunlight, so although it is sometimes prescribed to help SAD, it does not address the root cause. If taken at night it can help, however, it can also make insomnia worse as days grow longer in late winter. For this reason, I tend to discourage supplementation.
Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) extract or 5-HTP improves SAD and is more effective in combination with light therapy. This herb is restricted to prescription through herbal consultation only. Dosages of 300mg three times daily were found to improve SAD.
Vitamin D is well known for its effects on helping to maintain normal calcium levels, but it also exerts influence on the brain, spinal cord, and hormone-producing tissues of the body that may be important in the regulation of mood. A double-blind study found that mood improved in healthy people without SAD who received 400 or 800 IU per day of vitamin D for five days in late winter.
Try to exercise one hour of aerobic or anaerobic exercise three times a week in bright light to further improve mood.
For further information on Seasonal Affective Disorder or Depression contact ICIM Medics, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare Tel. 045 844 819 www.icim.ie
