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When it comes to depression, alternative treatments aren't a substitute for medical care. Make sure you understand the risks as well as possible benefits if you pursue alternative or complementary therapy. Also, because some herbal and dietary supplements can interfere with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any supplements. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way medications are, so you can't always be certain of what you're getting and whether it's safe. Herbal remedies and dietary supplements aren't monitored by the U.S. Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light boxĬertain herbal remedies, supplements or mind-body techniques are sometimes used to try to relieve depression symptoms, though it's not clear how effective these treatments are for seasonal affective disorder.In addition, you may have to try different medications before you find one that works well for you and has the fewest side effects.
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Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant. He or she may also recommend that you continue to take the antidepressant beyond the time your symptoms normally go away. Your health care provider may recommend starting treatment with an antidepressant before your symptoms typically begin each year. Other antidepressants also may commonly be used to treat SAD. Some people with SAD benefit from antidepressant treatment, especially if symptoms are severe.Īn extended-release version of the antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin) may help prevent depressive episodes in people with a history of SAD. Build in healthy behaviors, such as increasing physical activity and improving your sleep patterns.Identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making you feel worse.Learn healthy ways to cope with SAD, especially with reducing avoidance behavior and scheduling meaningful activities.A type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you: Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is another option to treat SAD. Also ask about how and when to use the light box. Research on light therapy is limited, but it appears to be effective for most people in relieving SAD symptoms.īefore you purchase a light box, talk with your health care provider about the best one for you, and familiarize yourself with the variety of features and options so that you buy a high-quality product that's safe and effective. It generally starts working in a few days to a few weeks and causes very few side effects. Light therapy is one of the first line treatments for fall-onset SAD. Light therapy mimics natural outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. In light therapy, also called phototherapy, you sit a few feet from a special light box so that you're exposed to bright light within the first hour of waking up each day. Both treatments can potentially trigger a manic episode.
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If you have bipolar disorder, tell your health care provider and mental health professional - this is critical to know when prescribing light therapy or an antidepressant. Treatment for seasonal affective disorder may include light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. You may fill out a questionnaire to help answer these questions. To check for signs of depression, your health care provider or mental health professional asks about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. For example, your health care provider may do a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) or test your thyroid to make sure it's functioning properly. In some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem. Your health care provider may do a physical exam and ask in-depth questions about your health.