Happy Winter Solstice!

Today is Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.

For Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers who are of the "Glass is half empty" mindset, you may feel overwhelmed and depressed since we are now at the point when there is such a very small amount of daylight. I, however always look at this day as a cause of celebration. It's all downhill from here.

Although Winter only officialy begins today, with each passing day the amount of daylight minutes (and hours) will only increase. There is finally light at the end of the tunnel!

Reflect on this when you are feeling the pangs of Winter Blues or SAD, and you may find yourself feeling recharged. In the mean time, continue with your treatments, light box therapy, medication, whatever you have been doing, and focus on the longer days ahead.

Good Health And Happiness,

-Kevin Kennedy-Spaien
Editor

Clinical Trial of Drug for SAD Currently Enrolling

If you live in the Maryland area and are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, the National Institutes of Health may have an offer for you.

They are currently recruiting for a study of the drug Propranolol in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

From the site:


INCLUSION CRITERIA
Men and non-pregnant women non-smokers of all ethnic backgrounds between the ages of 18 to 50 who are free of major medical illness and who agree and are medically able to abstain from alcohol and all drugs, to adhere to a regular sleep schedule, and to limit caffeine-intake to less than or equal to 2 cups of coffee per day for at least two weeks (prescription drugs, 4 weeks) before, and for 4 weeks during the treatment period are eligible to participate.
Healthy volunteers will also be free of major psychiatric illness.
Patients will meet the criteria of Rosenthal et al. (1982) for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA
Patients will be ineligible for participation if they are currently being treated with an antidepressant drug.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding will not participate.
Individuals who have a major medical illness or who are unable to abstain from nicotine, alcohol and all drugs for at least two weeks (prescription drugs 4 weeks) and to limit caffeine-intake to less than or equal to 2 cups per day of coffee before the study and during the study will not participate.
Individuals with cardiac valve disease will be excluded.
Individuals with histories of these illnesses or conditions will specifically be excluded from participating: asthma, bronchospastic disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, A-V block, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, severe allergic reactions, and sinus bradycardia.
Subjects older than 50 will be excluded.
Patients who report that they have been previously treated with a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist will be excluded.
Individuals who have unusual or irregular sleep schedules or who work on shifts will be excluded from participating.

The NIH is using these terms to refer people to the study:
Season
Light
Propranolol
Photoperiod
Pharmacokinetics
Circadian Rhythm
Seasonal Rhythm
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Pineal Gland
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Read the full proposal:
Treatment of Winter Depression with Pharmacological Suppression of Melatonin Secretion [NIH.gov]

SAD Trivia

Did you know...

• Although SAD usually strikes in the winter months and in colder climates, a less common version of Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur in the summer.


• You’re about seven times more likely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder if you live in New Hampshire than if you live in Florida.


• You’re more likely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder if you’re female and over the age of 20, although SAD is sometimes seen in kids, adolescents and men.

Courtesy of girlpower.gov

APA warns about Seasonal Affective Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association has a warning for those who suffer from "Winter Blues". According to a press release dated from November 30, 2005, they are advising that:

"Getting screened and evaluated is a smart, sensible way to take care of your health and ensure that you can enjoy the pleasures of the season... Symptoms of SAD [Seasonal Affective Disorder] can be confused with other medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or viral infections like mononucleosis, so a proper evaluation by a medical professional is crucial... If you feel you are suffering from SAD, consult with your doctor about possible treatment options... Visit www.mentalhealthscreening.org to locate a depression screening site near you."