The following symptoms and complaints may indicate winter depression: Leading symptoms Fatigue Lack of energy Low spirits Increased appetite for foods rich in carbohydrates Greater need for sleep Associated symptoms Loss of libido Weight gain Social withdrawal
Pathogenesis (development of disease) The etiology has not yet been identified with certainty, but there are probably several causes that influence each other. For example, seasonal depression, like major depression, is thought to have a genetic component in addition to psychosocial stress. Furthermore, studies have shown that changes occur in the neurotransmitter system. In particular, … Winter Depression: Causes
General measures Make your home as light as possible by painting or wallpapering it accordingly. Also use mainly light-colored fabrics and furniture. Use lamps with high wattage or high brightness. Stay near windows during the day if possible. Go for a walk every day for at least 30 to 60 minutes (preferably around midday). At … Winter Depression: Therapy
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by winter depression: Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Hypersomnia (“sleep addiction”) – depressive symptoms and lower daylight intake in the winter months leads to a desynchronization of the sleep-wake rhythm with typically increased need for sleep. Transition to other psychiatric … Winter Depression: Secondary Diseases
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) of the skin and mucous membranes. Inspection and palpation (palpation) of the thyroid gland [due todifferential diagnosis: hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)] Neurological examination – to rule out a somatic … Winter Depression: Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose). HbA1c Thyroid parameter – TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) – to exclude hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Liver parameters … Winter Depression: Test and Diagnosis
Therapy goals Mood elevation and activation Therapy recommendations St. John’s wort (psychotropic phytopharmaceuticals), first-line agent; indication: mild (to moderate?) depression: Dosage: 3 x 300-350 mg dry extract; Inhibits central reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and leads to downregulation of central serotonin receptors and noradrenergic beta receptors. Has a mood-lifting, drive-enhancing and relaxing effect and … Winter Depression: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnosticsand obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal sonography (ultrasound examination of abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. Thyroid sonography (ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland) – for suspected hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism).
A deficiency symptom may indicate that there is an insufficient supply of vital nutrients (micronutrients). The complaint Depressive Episode indicates a deficiency of vital nutrients for: Vitamin B3 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Calcium Zinc Within the framework of micronutrient medicine, the following vital substances (micronutrients) are used for prevention: Folic acid Omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic … Winter Depression: Micronutrient Therapy
To prevent winter depression, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Alcohol (woman: > 40 g/day; man: > 60 g/day). Other risk factors Substance abuse
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of winter depression/depression. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any common mental disorders in your family? Is there a history of bipolar or depressive disorders in the family? Is there suicide attempt (attempted suicide) in the … Winter Depression: Medical History
Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Chronic inflammation, mainly caused by viruses (for example, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)). Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99). Other forms of depression Other forms of seasonal dependent depression