The Doctor Is In: SAD

Content is sponsored and provided by Beaumont Health 
 
Are the shorter, colder, darker days putting in you a funk this season? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real. It's a subset of depression that usually lasts Fall/Winter and has occurred two or more years in a row.  Its symptoms include feeling down, tired, and having less interest in activities and socializing.  Women are at four times more risk of suffering from SAD than men. Two experts from Beaumont Health discuss it further Wednesday on Fox 2 News Morning.

Experts:
Dr. Asha Shajahan, Family Medicine Beaumont Health 
Dr. Sheala Jafry, Family Medicine Beaumont Health

SAD- HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?  
+ Clinical diagnosis- recurrent episodes of depression that typically begin in the fall or winter and remits in spring/summer
+ Symptoms must occur for at least 2 years in a row but not during other seasons 
+ No blood test
 

HOW IS VITAMIN D RELATED TO MOOD/SAD/DEPRESSION?
+ Vitamin D is believed to play a role in serotonin activity
+ Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine" vitamin. helps benefits immune and brain function.
+ Studies have identified vitamin D receptors in the same areas of the brain associated with depression

WHAT CAUSES SAD? Or WHO'S AT RISK?
+ Increased production of melatonin
+ Deregulation of serotonin
+ Women are at risk  4x more than men
+ Anyone that lives in northern regions (further away from the equator)
+ Family history or personal history of depression
+ Having depression or bipolar disorder
+ Younger adults
 

WHAT CAN HELP PREVENT SAD?
+ Getting enough sleep (approximately 8 hours)
+ Regular exercise
+ Daily sun exposure
 

WHAT CAN HELP TREAT SAD?
+ Light therapy- 10,000 Luxe
+ Talk therapy
+ Exercise
+ Decrease carb consumption
+ Getting enough sleep

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