Podcast 736: Seasonal Affective Disorder

<p><strong>Contributor: Adam Barkin, MD</strong></p> <p><strong>Educational Pearls:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) a form of seasonal depression which can result in trouble sleeping, concentration difficulties, changes in appetite, and decreased mood</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">SAD is a common condition affecting millions of people in the US</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Coupling this with the stresses of COVID, these affects may be compounded</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">To reduce the effects of SAD:</span></li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Stick to a routine</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Exercise</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Light therapy</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Engage with your community</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Meditation</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Tangible bucket list to set goals for the winter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Nostalgic activity</span></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Melrose S. Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches.</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Depress Res Treat</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. 2015;2015:178564. doi:10.1155/2015/178564</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited