David S. Klein, M.D.

Depression

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Depression that occurs during the holiday season often results from a common condition, called "Seasonal Affective Disorder," or S.A.D. This condition affects many millions of Americans, and results in tremendous loss of productivity.

S.A.D. results from a chemical imbalance in the brain that results from a decrease in the secretion of certain hormones from a gland in the brain.

As a result of the decrease in the intensity of sunlight that occurs during the Fall, Winter and early Spring, the brain slows the secretion of certain hormones, and an imbalance of the neurotransmitter "seratonin" can result.

Depression develops slowly, and insidiously, often beginning during November or December, and lasts until late Spring. This problem can return year after year, or it can occur once or twice and never again re-occur. come and go away

Treatment is generally easy, but treatment can begin only after the patient recognizes that there is a problem, and then seeks help.

Recognition of S.A.D. is not automatic. Many physicians, unfortunately, are not sensitive to these types of illness, and vigilance on the part of the physician may be lacking. It bears emphasis that treatment can only begin after RECOGNITION of the problem, by the physician, or the well-informed patient.

Treatment can consist of a vacation to the lower latitudes, a week-end at the beach, and recently, "light therapy" has become increasingly popular. These approaches are similar in that they each rely upon increasing levels of ambient light, which has an effect on the pineal gland, deep within the brain, which then releases increased levels of Melatonin.

Melatonin, which is available, may be useful in the treatment of S.A.D. as well as for a variety of sleep related disorders. Unfortunately, many of the over-the-counter preparations are of low quality, and results may be unpredictable. We have a very high quality (pharmaceutical grade) product, in the catalogue, at a very reasonable price.   Doses for women, oddly enough, are greater than doses required for men.  

Men:  1-3 mg. Use the 1 mg tablets, increase to 2 or 3, on subsequent evenings. 100 pharmaceutical-grade tablets are $9.90.            

Women:  3-6 mg.     Start with one 3 mg capsule.  Increase to two, if necessary.   90 pharmaceutical grade capsules are $16.79.         

Anti-depressants of the selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class or selective seratonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor (SNRI) class are very useful for this disorder. If, among the complaints is that of insomnia, Paxil is a good first choice. If lethargy, sleepiness and inability to "motivate" is a presenting problem, Zoloft may be a better choice. If fibromyalgia is present, Effexor may be better.

The depression can be treated, as well using Inositol Hexaniacinate, which will also help as an appetite suppressant, and lowers cholesterol.  This is an inexpensive way to treat these common problems, simultaneously.        Two capsules are taken, daily.  60 are $18.80.               

Seratonin (5-HT), is an effective anti-depressant as well as a useful sleep aid. We offer a very high-quality mixture of 5-HT with Theanine, for this purpose.    30 tablets run $29.95      

The combination of Melatonin with Somnulin is particularly effective. 

Eating disorders, weight gain and increased alcohol consumption are commonly associated with seasonal affective disorder.

Diagnosis can be made only if the diagnosis is kept in mind.

TREATMENT IS EASY, THERE IS NO NEED TO SUFFER.

David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM, FACMIMS
Director, Pain Center of Orlando
www.suffernomore.com