Collin County Living Well Magazine September/October 2022 | Page 29

during the fall and winter months resulting from the shorter days and reduced sunshine . But some people experience SAD during the summer months instead . The onset of SAD is typically around the age of 20 and affects 10 million Americans each year .
Bipolar disorder affects 2.6 % of American adults , according to the NIMH . This treatable , but lifelong disease typically develops in women in their mid to upper 20s . For men , the onset is usually in the teens to the early 20s . Bipolar is signified by its bouts of both mania ( or hypomania ) and its opposite extreme , depression . Though an individual with bipolar will experience both sides of the spectrum , in women , depression is often the most problematic . For men , it ’ s the mania . Those with bipolar often experience psychosis during bouts of mania and sometimes with depression .
Postpartum depression will affect 10 to 15 % of women , according to the NIMH . Postpartum depression shouldn ’ t be confused with the “ baby blues ,” which is milder , short-lived , and related to the worry and fatigue of parenting a new baby . Instead , postpartum depression results from hormonal changes . During pregnancy , a woman ’ s hormone levels increase . Then immediately following childbirth , hormone levels rapidly drop to normal levels . This ultimately results in depression in some women . Like other forms of depression , it can be mildly to severely debilitating .
Causes
The exact cause of depression is unknown . But several factors likely contribute to the condition . According to the Mayo Clinic , those with depression have physical changes in their brains . These changes in the brain may eventually help researchers determine the exact cause of depression .
Depression is also genetic . A higher incidence of depression has been found in those with blood relatives who suffer from the condition .
Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters play a role in depression . The Mayo Clinic explains that the way neurotransmitters function and their effect on the neurocircuits involved in mood stability plays a significant role both in depression and its treatment .
Hormonal changes can also play a role in depression , particularly for women . During pregnancy and for several months following pregnancy , women are especially vulnerable . Menstruation cycles and menopause can also trigger depression .
Treatment
In some cases , depression results from an underlying medical condition such as thyroid problems or low vitamin B levels . For this reason , it ’ s essential to visit your primary care physician for blood work to rule out other causes . If the cause of depression is an underlying medical condition , treatment for that condition is likely all that ’ s needed to cure the depression .
If medical causes have been ruled out , then it ’ s best to consult with a psychiatrist . Although primary care physicians can treat depression , psychiatrists have specialized training in diagnosing the various forms of depression and experience in treating them . Psychiatrists often know which medications will work best for a particular patient based on a variety of factors . In fact , depending on the type of depression and the specific set of symptoms , some people with depression require a combination of antidepressants , anti-anxiety medications , and mood stabilizers . Psychiatrists know how to tailor treatment to each individual for optimal results .
For those who are treatment-resistant , look for a psychiatrist with the special ‘ psychopharmacologist ’ designation . Psychopharmacologists have gone through additional specialized training in how drugs affect the mind and behavior . In addition to medication , many psychiatrists recommend cognitive therapy with a psychologist or behavioral therapist in conjunction . This can help people cope with the effects of depression as well as dealing with any underlying trauma or events fueling the depression .
Finally , for those with SAD , sitting under a light therapy box is often recommended and can be helpful . You can order one online , and depending on your doctor ’ s recommendations , you can sit under it for 20 to 40 minutes each day .
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