Shedding Light on Seasonal Depression

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a subtype of Major Depressive Disorder that fluctuates with the seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition affecting millions during the darker months. We explore its symptoms, causes, and demographic prevalence, highlighting its impact on mood, cognition, and physical health. The episode also examines leading theories behind SAD, such as disruptions in circadian rhythms and hormonal imbalances linked to reduced sunlight exposure, and the biological underpinnings. We then move to existing treatment options, including light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. With limited clinical trials, the episode underscores the importance of advancing research into effective interventions.Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! podcast. www.MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!References:American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).Munir, S., Gunturu, S., & Abbas, M. (20 April, 2024). Seasonal Affective Disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568745/Dang, T., Russel, W. A., Saad, T., Dhawka, L., Ay, A., & Ingram, K. K. (2023). Risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Linked to Circadian Clock Gene Variants. Biology, 12(12), 1532. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/12/1532National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Seasonal Affective Disorder (NIH Publication No. 23-MH-8138). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorderWilleit, M., Sitte, H. H., Thierry, N., Michalek, K., Praschak-Rieder, N., Zill, P., ... & Singer, E. A. (2008). Enhanced serotonin transporter function during depression in seasonal affective disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33(7), 1503-1513. https://www.nature.com/articles/1301560National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Search for: seasonal affective disorder, in United States. ClinicalTrials.gov [Website] https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?locStr=United%20States&country=United%20States&cond=Seasonal%20Affective%20DisorderDumville, J. C., Miles, J. N. V., Porthouse, J., Cockayne, S., Saxon, L., & King, C. (2006). Can vitamin D supplementation prevent winter-time blues? A randomised trial among older women. Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging, 10(2), 151. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16554952/Frandsen, T. B., Pareek, M., Hansen, J. P., & Nielsen, C. T. (2014). Vitamin D supplementation for treatment of seasonal affective symptoms in healthcare professionals: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. BMC research notes, 7, 1-8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4141118/Harris, S., & Dawson-Hughes, B. (1993). Seasonal mood changes in 250 normal women. Psychiatry research, 49(1), 77-87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8140183/Jorde, R., Sneve, M., Figenschau, Y., Svartberg, J., & Waterloo, K. (2008). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial. Journal of internal medicine, 264(6), 599-609. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2008.02008.x Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! Podcast and MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!