SAD Treatment- Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

 

Medication – Antidepressants for SAD Treatments

Antidepressants can be used as part of SAD treatments or treatment for  seasonal affective disorder. Prescription antidepressants are often used in conjunction with light therapy, if light therapy alone is not effective enough to improve depression.

Bupropion, which is prescribed as Wellbutrin, is one of the more effective antidepressants for Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD. Unlike other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does not tend to cause weight gain or have sexual side affects according to several studies in treating depression.  It can in fact aid in weight loss and even increase libido as part of SAD treatments or treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Medication can be used in conjunction with other SAD treatments such as light therapy, vitamins and exercise.  You will need to discuss this depression treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder in detail with a qualified physician as there are some risks and side effects with prescription medication.

Vitamins D Deficiency Depression                 SAD Treatments

 

Vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to SAD depression and should be part of SAD treatments. Fish and egg yolks have vitamin d in notable quantities, and milk is usually fortified with it but it is often not enough to meet your daily requirement. Chances are if you think you may have seasonal affective disorder you probably have a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. Your body manufactures it with sunlight from the cholesterol in your body. Between 1000 to 3000 IUs of vitamin D are recommended by most doctors. Bloodwork can be done by your doctor to test to check for vitamin d deficiency as part of your SAD treatments.

Vitamins can be effective in liquid form and there is a new multivitamin liquid drink that contains the vitamins mentioned here and more.  For more info on this http://whatis.vemma.com

 

SAD Treatments Vitamin Deficiency Depression

 

Vitamin B12 deficiency and depression have been studied and linked. Vitamin B12 deficiency along with low levels of other essential B vitamins such as B6 play a role in producing the brain chemicals needed that affect mood and other brain functions.  Supplementing for vitamin b12 deficiency should be part of SAD treatments or treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Essential Fatty Acids are important part of any healthy diet. The American Heart Association generally recommends that people eat a well balanced diet rather than take supplements, however because of their importance they do advocate for Omega 3 fatty acid supplements.

Either Omega 3, fish oil or flaxseed supplements are considered essential fatty acids and will also be beneficial as part of SAD treatments or treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Natural Alternatives to Antidepressants for SAD Treatments – Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder

5 HTP is known to help with many issues that low serotonin cause including depression. It is an amino acid that the body needs in order to create serotonin. It has been know to also help curb appetite and help with cravings as part of SAD treatments!

By taking 5HTP as part of your SAD treatments you are providing the raw material or building blocks for your body to create it’s own serotonin naturally. 5 HTP can tried in lieu of an antidepressant to boost mood naturally as part of SAD treatments or treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Saint John’s Wort has also been known to help alleviate depression symptoms. “Saint John’s Wort acts in the same way as Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors do, but less harshly” according to “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”. They caution not to use the herb if you are taking prescription antidepressants or are pregnant.

Take either 5 HTP or Saint John’s Wort. You shouldn’t need both as part of SAD treatments or treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.