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A member asked:
What should i do when someone is having s a d seasonal affective disorder....???? can foods help? need medication or sunlight????
5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Sunlight or lights: that mimic sunlight (full spectrum lights) can help with SAD. It is something like other types of depression, since getting up and out (especially on sunnier days, even when they are cold) can help. I don't know of any foods that help. Alcohol can however hinder anyone who is depressed, since it is a depressant.
Answered 5/4/2017
3.5k views
Meds & light: Typically light therapy may help, along with antidepressants. Light therapy has to be of a certain strength of light (quite bright and close) at the same time of day in the morning. Medications may help as with major depression. Optimizing self-care around nutrition, sleep, routines, exercise, and maintaining activity are also necessary.
Answered 5/4/2017
3.5k views
SAD: SAD is now referred to as Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern in DSM 5. It is a subtype of major depression. Treating seasonal affective disorder: Light therapy can be very effective. Psychotherapy and psychotropic medications can also be beneficial. Consider a tropical vacation when it is cold back home. See:
Answered 12/5/2017
709 views
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