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Pricing, Benefits, and How to Use

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  • Best adjustable SAD lamp: Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp
  • Best UV-free SAD lamp: Northern Light Technologies Boxelite
  • Best portable SAD lamp: Circadian Optics Lattis Light Therapy Lamp
  • Best SAD lamp for leisure: Flamingo Floor Lamp
  • Best affordable SAD lamp: TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), now known clinically as major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, is a condition that causes sadness or depression when the seasons change.

It most typically occurs during the fall and winter, when days become short and exposure to sunlight decreases. It’s most common in women and young adults.

Counseling, therapy, and medication may all be effective for this condition. Light boxes — also referred to as SAD lamps or light therapy lamps — are another option that can reduce symptoms and provide relief. They work by replicating natural daylight.

Symptoms of SAD

There are two types of SAD: wintertime and summertime. SAD affects people differently, but the symptoms may vary based on the type of SAD.

Symptoms of wintertime SAD include:

  • daytime fatigue
  • difficulty concentrating
  • feelings of hopelessness
  • increased irritability
  • lack of interest in social activities
  • lethargy
  • reduced sexual interest
  • unhappiness
  • weight gain

Symptoms of summertime SAD include:

  • agitation
  • difficulty sleeping
  • increased restlessness
  • lack of appetite
  • weight loss

In severe cases, people with SAD may experience thoughts of suicide.

Treatment options for SAD

Counseling and therapy are treatment options for both forms of SAD. Some people may also benefit from medications such as antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin). People experiencing SAD should speak to their doctor about which medication is the best course of treatment.

Light therapy can also be used as a treatment for wintertime SAD. This involves using a specialized light box or visor for at least 30 minutes each day to mimic natural light. Light therapy should only be used under a doctor’s supervision and on approved devices. Other light-emitting sources like tanning beds, are not safe for use.

Another type of treatment is a dawn simulator which uses a time-activated light to mimic the sunrise as a way to help stimulate the body’s clock.

Adopting some healthy lifestyle habits can also help minimize SAD symptoms. This can include:

  • a balanced diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
  • exercise
  • regular sleep

Keep in mind

If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Some research shows that light therapy can help improve seasonal depression, even with as little as 20 minutes of exposure. Although the FDA doesn’t regulate SAD lamps, Healthline’s medical affairs team still every pick and brand, diving into medical credibility, the company’s reputation, and its business practices.

We chose the options on this list based on the following criteria:

  • Intensity: All the picks on this list have at least 10,000 lux, the standard intensity for effectiveness.
  • Reputation: Each SAD lamp we feature comes from a reputable brand that doesn’t make egregious health claims.
  • Price: We were mindful of different budgets by including options from various price points.
  • User reviews: We chose only highly rated options that current users love and don’t have any major complaints about.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $100
  • $$ = $100–$200
  • $$$ = over $200

Best adjustable SAD lamp

Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp

  • Price: $$
  • Features: flexible stand, 2 light settings, glare-free for eye comfort
  • Size of light panel: 15. 5 x 13.5 inches
  • Who it’s best for: anyone looking for a customizable lamp that can work well in any space, at any angle
  • Lux: 10,000

This lamp has a large surface area of 15.5 by 13.5 inches. It generates 10,000 lux and projects light in a downward motion — this helps keep it glare-free no matter how it’s positioned.

The lampstand is adjustable, so chances are it will be comfortable to use no matter your height or chair type. Users say the lampstand doesn’t wobble and that the lamp reaches full lumens quickly for maximum benefit.

Pro

  • large surface area
  • glare-free
  • adjustable

Cons

  • pricey

Shop now at Amazon

Best UV-free SAD lamp

Northern Light Technologies Boxelite

  • Price: $$
  • Features: full-spectrum UV-free light, 5 different height levels, adjustable
  • Size of light panel: 12. 25 x 17 inches
  • Who it’s best for: those who like to sit further away from the light source (it’s effective at 14 inches)
  • Lux: 10,000

In addition to features such as 10,000 lux and a large surface screen, this SAD lamp is designed to last. Many users rave about it 7 or more years after purchase.

The lamp includes long lasting fluorescent bulbs and is UV-free. It also features five different height levels and is easily adjustable. Note that it weighs 11 pounds and is heavier than many other lamps.

Pros

  • UV-free
  • long lasting

Cons

  • heavier than other options on our list

Shop now at Amazon

Best portable SAD lamp

Circadian Optics Lattis Light Therapy Lamp

  • Price: $
  • Features: 3 brightness levels, fixed position, one-touch operation
  • Size of light panel: 6 x 15.75 inches
  • Who it’s best for: those who want their light to blend in a little better with their decor
  • Lux: 10,000

If you love the look of modern decor, this lamp may be right for you. It features 10,000 lux of LED, UV-free, full-spectrum white light. It also boasts three brightness levels, so you can uptick or downtick the amount of light you receive.

Many users prefer LED to fluorescent light because it lasts longer. This lamp has a small surface area and a fixed position, which doesn’t allow for adjustment. Even so, it may be great for small spaces or as a lamp for travel.

Pros

  • stylish look
  • UV-free
  • 3 brightness levels

Cons

  • much larger than other options
  • may not be everyone’s taste

Shop now at Amazon

Best SAD lamp for leisure

Flamingo Floor Lamp

  • Price: $$
  • Features: adjustable, rotating head, taller than most
  • Size of light panel: 7 x 13 inches
  • Who it’s best for: anyone who’s looking for a little more versatility in where they can get their light therapy
  • Lux: 10,000

This 46-inch-tall lamp is a great option for those who want to position their SAD lamp near a treadmill or glider. It also fits neatly into corners for use while reading or watching TV.

This floor lamp provides 10,000 lux of full-spectrum, UV-free, LED light. It’s also glare-free and adjustable. Users love the sturdy design and long lasting light bulbs, which typically last for about 5 years. Assembly is required.

Pros

  • UV-free
  • full-spectrum LED light
  • glare-free
  • comes with long lasting light bulbs

Cons

  • assembly required

Shop now at Amazon

Best affordable SAD lamp

TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp

  • Price: $
  • Features: timer, 4 brightness levels, memory function
  • Size of light panel: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
  • Who it’s best for: anyone looking for a compact option and doesn’t mind sitting closer to the panel
  • Lux: 10,000

While this portable option has a smaller screen size than recommended, it still delivers good value for its size and cost.

Designed for on-the-go use, this lamp provides 10,000 lux and one-touch controls.

Pros

  • portable
  • one-touch controls

Cons

  • might be too small for some users

Shop now at TaoTronics

PriceWho it’s best forConsiderations
Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Light Therapy Lamp$$ anyone looking for a customizable lamp that can work well in any space, at any angleadjustable, but always faces in a downward position to reduce glare
Northern Light Technologies Boxelite$$ those who like to sit further away from the light source (it’s effective at 14 inches)adjustable and has a larger light panel so you can sit further away
Circadian Optics Lattis Light Therapy Lamp$ those who want their light to blend in a little better with their decorblends well with decor but has a fixed position and doesn’t adjust
Flamingo Floor Lamp$$ anyone looking for a little more versatility in where they can get their light therapylight angle is adjustable but not the height
TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp$anyone looking for a compact option and doesn’t mind sitting closer to the panelcompact, but you have to sit closer to the light panel since it’s smaller than others on the list

A SAD lamp uses light therapy to replicate sunlight. It can trick the body into thinking it is a warmer month and cause the body to release serotonin.

The light produced by a SAD lamp is measured in lux. A lux is a measurement of light intensity combined with area. A SAD lamp should offer a brightness of 10,000 lux. The viewing angle of a lamp should allow it to be positioned above the eyes and at a slight downward angle to minimize glare.

Typically, SAD lamps or lights should be used for 30 minutes to an hour. They can be used at any time of day, although they’re usually used first thing in the morning.

SAD lamps are not regulated by the FDA.

SAD lamps simulate sunlight, which helps trigger the brain to release serotonin, often called the feel-good hormone.

Studies show that using light therapy during periods when daylight hours are short can help adjust your circadian rhythm, the body’s process for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. This is beneficial for improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression.

Light therapy has become an accepted practice for alleviating SAD and other conditions such as:

  • jet lag
  • dementia
  • circadian rhythm sleep disorders

There are many lamps and light boxes marketed as SAD or light therapy lamps. Not all of these products are effective or appropriate for this use.

The FDA doesn’t regulate SAD lamps, so it’s important to buy one that provides enough light and is designed to treat SAD.

Here are some features to look for:

Safety

  • Don’t get a light box that’s designed to treat skin conditions. These devices aren’t meant to treat mood disorders and they won’t be effective.
  • Make sure the lamp filters out ultraviolet (UV) light and is labeled UV-free. UV light can damage your eyes and skin.
  • Follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturers.
  • Use eye protection if you have existing eye issues.

Specs

  • The lamp should generate 10,000 lux of cool-white, fluorescent light. An output of 10,000 lux is approximately 20 times greater than the light output generated by most indoor lighting. Lamps with less lux may need to be used more often than brighter ones.
  • Opt for a glare-free lamp or a lamp that can be positioned at a downward angle that reduces or eliminates eye glare.

Size

  • Look for a lamp with a light surface area of around 12 by 15 inches. The larger the surface area, the higher the lux. Larger lamps also provide you with the option of moving around more, so you can be farther away from the lamp without compromising its effectiveness.
  • Smaller lamps aren’t as effective and may need to be used more often for longer sessions. That said, you may wish to purchase a second, smaller lamp if you travel a lot. Your doctor can provide individualized lamp use guidelines.

Personal style and needs

  • Think about what activity you would like to do while using the lamp and purchase one that will accommodate that purpose. For example, light boxes have been shown to help with jet lag. So, if you travel frequently, you may want to choose a small, portable option.
  • Lamp styles vary. You may be better off getting an attractive lamp that matches your décor so it can stay in position for use. For maximum benefit, you’ll want to use the lamp at least once daily, so having it out and easily accessible can be a plus.
  • Don’t start using a SAD lamp without your doctor’s approval: This is especially important if you have a diagnosis such as bipolar disorder, glaucoma, or lupus.
  • Always get the green light from your doctor if you’re taking prescription medications of any kind, including antipsychotics and antidepressants: Remember that some prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements can make your skin photosensitive, requiring an adjustment to your use of the lamp. These medications include lithium, some acne drugs, and St. John’s wort.
  • Use the lamp daily: You can use it until daylight hours increase.
  • Experiment with time frame: Many people benefit from as little as 20 minutes of use. Others require 60 minutes, which is typically considered the highest exposure you should get. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and slowly increase the amount of time spent in front of a SAD lamp. Avoid exceeding more than 60 minutes of use.
  • Consider when to use it: Many experts recommend using a SAD lamp first thing in the morning. Your doctor might also recommend that you use it during the day. Keep in mind that more isn’t always better. Overuse of a SAD lamp can produce insomnia or other side effects.
  • Follow manufacturer recommendations for the position: Your lamp should come with recommendations for how close you should position yourself to it. This is very important, as your distance from it will affect the lamp’s lux capacity.
  • Position the lamp so that it’s providing you with downward light: This will ensure that it doesn’t shine directly into your eyes.
  • Talk with your doctor about how to best stop using the lamp: It may be most appropriate for you to wean yourself off slowly. Spending time outdoors, especially in the mornings, can help this process.

Although light therapy is helpful for people who bipolar disorder, be sure to consult with a doctor before introducing it daily. A medical professional who is familiar with your physical and mental health history will be able to help you figure out if light therapy is a good option for you.

Some studies show that SAD lamps can help boost mood and alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression, but they’re not a substitute for proper mental health care. If you feel that your depression is severe or you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to speak with a healthcare professional. Check in with a doctor or mental health professional if:

  • You feel sad and hopeless nearly every day.
  • You no longer experience pleasure in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy.
  • You can’t sleep or are spending too much time sleeping.
  • You’re feeling irritated and annoyed nearly every day.
  • Symptoms are interfering with your quality of life.
  • You’re gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.

Can SAD lamps damage your skin or eyes?

UV light should be filtered out of SAD lamps, so they shouldn’t damage your eyes or skin. However, light boxes used to treat certain skin conditions do emit UV light, so you should be sure that your light box is designed to treat SAD.

Can SAD lamps increase vitamin D levels?

While some people have found that SAD lamps can increase vitamin D levels over time, there’s not enough research to confirm this. Vitamin D is produced by UV light, and most SAD lamps don’t have that.

According to the FDA, UV lights can cause damage to the skin and should be used with caution. Long-term exposure to UV rays can also cause premature aging and skin cancer. If you’re using UV lights on your skin, be sure to speak with your doctor first.

How bright are SAD lamps?

The recommended brightness for SAD lamps is typically 10,000 lux.

How long does it take a SAD lamp to start working?

The University of British Columbia found that people can start to respond to light therapy within a few days and you should see improvements within 2 weeks. Be sure to speak to your doctor if your body does not respond to a SAD lamp after 2 weeks.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t use a SAD lamp?

You should avoid using a SAD lamp if you have an increased sensitivity to light. This may be due to:

  • macular degeneration
  • a connective tissue disorder
  • lupus

Interested in other resources for mental health?

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SAD can often be alleviated with proactive lifestyle changes. These include:

  • going to bed early and waking up at or near dawn
  • going outside for extended periods of time, especially first thing in the morning
  • avoiding substances that can adversely affect your ability to sleep, such as alcohol
  • eating whole, nutrient-rich foods
  • exercising
  • seeking out professional help from a counselor or therapist

How to find a therapist for seasonal affective disorder

SAD can bring up serious feelings of depression, so consider talking with a mental health professional.

You don’t need to have received a SAD diagnosis to seek out help, though. Even if you’re just feeling more down than usual, it’s OK to talk with a therapist or counselor.

When looking for a mental health professional, you’ll want to specifically search for someone who has experience treating SAD, major depressive disorder, or depressive episodes.

If leaving the house is too intimidating, you can check out online therapy or online psychiatry platforms, too.

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, previously known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a condition caused by lowered exposure to sunlight or a change of seasons. Women and young adults are most affected by this condition.

Using a SAD lamp, also known as a light box, can help alleviate symptoms, boosting your mood.

SAD lamps can be effective when used as a solo treatment or combined with other forms of treatment. Either way, always use these lamps under a doctor’s supervision.

6 Types of Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

Everyday Health Archive

Fact-Checked

It’s that time of year again when the highly sensitive types among us who thrive with lots of sunlight begin to wither with the plants as the sun begins to hide.

Not only do we get less vitamin D (and deficiencies have been linked to depression), but the change in sunlight affects our circadian rhythm — the body’s internal biological clock that governs certain brain activity and hormone production. In some people, the change of mood-related chemicals can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter blues or seasonal depression.

For an episode of major depression to be classified as SAD, a person will have had at least three episodes of mood disturbances in three separate winter seasons — at least two of which were consecutive. There should also be no association between the episode and a significant situational stressor, such as a death, divorce, or unemployment.

Fortunately, for those struggling with the winter blues or maybe even just a mild case of seasonal sadness, there are many bright light treatments that can help regulate melatonin and other hormones affected by circadian rhythms to treat mood.

People with bipolar disorder should only use light therapy under the supervision of a doctor, because the treatment might trigger or aggravate episodes of mania or hypomania.

I would definitely not use any bright light treatment at night, as it may very well interfere with your sleep, which could worsen your depression.

Here are details on six types of light therapy:

1. Dawn Simulators

Dawn simulators mimic the gradual rising of the sun. There are two kinds:

  • Those that simulate a naturalistic dawn representing a springtime sunrise
  • Those that simulate a sigmoidal-shaped dawn, which lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours

Usually you would sleep through the dawn and wake up at the simulated sunrise. These lights are so effective because early morning light signals are much more powerful than light signals at other times of the day. Dawn simulators can be separate alarm clock devices or small computer systems that you plug into your table lamp.

2. Light Boxes

Light boxes are the standard light system used for SAD in clinical studies. They're flat screens that produce full-spectrum fluorescent light, usually at an intensity of 10,000 lux. It's important to position a light box according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use it at the same time each day.

You would typically use a light box for 30 to 60 minutes each day. Some health clubs offer light box rooms where you can go sit in front of the boxes if you can’t afford to buy one for yourself.

3. Natural Spectrum Light Bulbs

While the science on the benefits of full-spectrum light bulbs is mixed, some people with SAD who have tried them say they've gotten good results using full-spectrum bulbs with an intensity of at least 10,000 lux. They reportedly help to adjust your circadian rhythm and lift your mood.

Natural spectrum light bulbs provide the spectrum of natural daylight and can easily be used as desk and floor lamps. They're not as cumbersome as light boxes.

Many manufacturers of traditional light boxes sell full-spectrum light bulbs. You can also get them at lighting stores, home improvement stores, and art supply stores.

4. Bluewave Technology

Studies have found that bluewave technology, or blue light, is superior to other kinds of light in shifting circadian rhythms, suppressing melatonin levels, and regulating circadian response. Harvard researchers compared the effects of 6.5 hours of exposure to blue light to 6.5 hours of comparably bright green light. They found that blue light suppressed melatonin for about twice as long as the green light, and shifted circadian rhythms by twice as much.

But the strength of blue light can become a real liability at night, including blue light from electronic devices like tablet computers and phones. Not only did Harvard researchers find that it interfered with sleep: Exposure to blue light at night has also been linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer.

5. Bright Light Sun Visors

Functioning as your own personal light box, these are worn as a hat. Physicians are less likely to recommend visors because of the close proximity of bright light to your eyes, so you must use them with caution. They also tend to be expensive: $200 or more.

6. A Light on a Timer

This kind of light therapy can be helpful for a person with SAD who has difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. I did a quick search on Google and found some timed lights for as cheap as $6. Since the transition from dark to light can be abrupt, it’s best not to use a timed light as a bedside lamp.

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symptoms, causes in men and women, remedies

Lack of vitality, unwillingness to get out of bed, bad mood for a long time, and even unwillingness to live are all signs of depression. Depression has a negative effect on the health and general well-being of a person. That is why it is so important to get medical help from a specialist in time.

How to determine the presence of depression?

Pathology can appear after experienced stressful situations. If there is no disorder, after the problem is resolved, a good mood returns to the person. But when the cause is eliminated, and apathy, depression and loss of strength do not leave the person, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist. It may also decrease performance.

You can determine the presence of depression on your own, but you should not self-medicate even at an early stage of development. This should be done by a doctor, since self-medication can only aggravate everything.

Depression in women is often postpartum, as their lives change dramatically, and sleepless nights add fatigue. This is where frustration and apathy come in.

When the pathology is in advanced form, then a person has the following symptoms of depression - not only a bad mood and impotence, but also persistent disorders of the nervous system. There are also symptoms such as: a significant decrease in self-esteem, disadaptation in society, despondency and loss of interest in any events.

In physiological terms, appetite changes, intimate needs and energy decrease, sleep and bowel function are disturbed (constipation, weakness, fatigue during physical and intellectual stress are observed), pain in the body (in the heart, in muscles, in the stomach area).

The patient shows signs of depression such as loss of interest in other people, a tendency to frequent solitude, refusal of entertainment, use of alcohol and psychotropic substances.

Mental signs of depression include difficulty in concentrating, concentrating, making decisions, slowness of thinking, a pessimistic view of the future with a lack of perspective and thoughts about the meaninglessness of one's existence, suicide attempts, due to their uselessness, helplessness, insignificance.

Causes of depression

The appearance of the disorder is not influenced by age category or social class. Most often, depression appears against the background of stressful negative situations, with constant failures - then a person falls into despair from the inability to somehow influence the course of events.

But in addition to the social factor, severe psychological trauma can also lead to the development of depression, for example: family breakup, death of a loved one, a serious illness that affects not only the patient himself, but also his relatives. In this case, depressions are referred to as reactive.

The likelihood of depression increases with changes in hormonal levels: during adolescence, after delivery, with the onset of menopause, and also in old age. It can affect the emotional and physical level.

Another factor is brain damage and somatic pathologies. Often depression affects patients who have had a stroke, suffering from a chronic lack of blood circulation in the brain, after a traumatic brain injury.

The causes of depression can manifest themselves as a result of the side effects of drugs (benzodiazepines, corticosteroids). Often this condition disappears on its own after the drug is discontinued.

Types of depression

  • Neurotic - people with low self-esteem, insecure, straightforward people often suffer. They constantly feel a sense of injustice, and apathy arises from this.

  • Clinical - bad mood, loss of energy, problems with appetite and sleep. Often there is a tendency to suicide. This clinical picture can last at least 2 weeks.

  • Vegetative - manifested by such signs as tachycardia, a drop in blood pressure, tinnitus.

  • Psychogenic - develops after severe psychological trauma - divorce, loss of a loved one, dismissal from work, betrayal, etc. Accompanied by mood swings, anxiety, excessive sensitivity.

  • Masked - often the disease manifests itself secretly. Apathy, solitude and a decrease in interest in life can only appear as negativity and fatigue accumulate.

  • Asthenic - the condition is manifested by fatigue, sleep disturbance, emotional imbalance due to accumulated difficulties, stress, physical and psychological stress.

  • Postpartum - usually occurs 10-14 days after delivery. A young mother shows an increased sense of excitement for the baby, and constant lack of sleep and fatigue worsen the situation even more. In addition, the hormonal background also affects the state of the mother.

  • Somatogenic - attacks occur due to disturbances in the endocrine system, the formation and growth of neoplasms, both benign and malignant.

  • Alcoholic - depression is accompanied by excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. The post-alcohol state is accompanied by an uncontrolled craving for alcohol and the growth of withdrawal syndrome when alcohol is refused.

  • Bipolar - the patient is changing euphoria depressive, manic disorder. But in the period between these phenomena, caused by various factors: stress, loss of means of popularity, etc., a person lives an ordinary life and does not show symptoms of the disease.

How does depression develop in stages?

First, the patient has a depressed state, which he himself attributes to fatigue, a hard working week, drinking alcohol and other reasons. At the same time, he wants to retire from others and at the same time is afraid to be alone.

Then the stage of acceptance arises: the awareness of the dangerous state comes, the problem worsens, the intensity of negative thoughts grows, the body and the immune system fail.

The third stage - in the absence of adequate therapy, the patient loses control over himself, aggression increases.

Diagnosis and treatment of depression

-

To identify the disease, experienced specialists use short questionnaires - screening tools to identify symptoms: anxiety, anhedonia (loss of pleasure from life), suicidal tendencies. Thanks to this, it is possible to determine whether the patient has chronic depression, symptoms and treatments for depression, what form and severity it is.

To fully understand the picture of the disease, the doctor needs to familiarize himself with the symptoms that indicate depression, and not another psychological disorder.

For the treatment of depression, you can contact the following specialists:

  • Psychiatrist - treatment of depression with hypnosis, drugs for acute mental pathologies - schizophrenia, mental retardation, epilepsy, as well as other less severe ailments - neurosis, depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.

  • Psychotherapist – treatment is carried out through special therapy, which provides for explanations, conversations, search for solutions to problems together with the patient.

  • Psychologist - consults the patient, cannot prescribe drugs and examinations. Clinical psychologists use modern test methods to identify problems that caused a psychological disorder.

The main directions of therapy in treatment are psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, social therapy.

A necessary condition for the effectiveness of treatment is cooperation and trust in the doctor. It is important to strictly follow the prescription of the therapy regimen, visit the doctor regularly, and give a detailed account of your condition.

Preparations for the treatment of depression

-

For the treatment of the disorder, antidepressants are used for anxious depression or when the pathology is accompanied by lethargy. Antidepressants are prescribed directly by a doctor and are not recommended for self-administration. The action of many antidepressants manifests itself two weeks after administration, their dosage for the patient is determined individually.

In bipolar depression, depression is treated with insomnia. While it has a negative effect on a healthy person, in a patient with a psychological disorder, sleep deprivation, on the contrary, brings the psyche back to normal.

Moderate or mild depression requires the appointment of drugs on a light, natural basis (herbal).

Where to get tested and treated for depression in Krasnoyarsk?

If you or your loved ones show signs of an emotional disorder, you should immediately contact a specialist. Since depression can lead to dangerous consequences:

  • isolation from society

  • deterioration in appearance

  • relationship problems

  • low performance or its complete absence

  • sexual problems

Contact the private clinic "Medunion" in Krasnoyarsk, get examined and treated for depression. Our phone number for appointment +7 (391) 202-95-54.

causes, types, stages, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment in women and men

Causes

Classification

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Treatment

Depression is a common mental disorder, the main features of which are a persistent decrease in mood, problems with memory and concentration, and minimal physical activity.

The causes of such a painful condition for a person in most cases are neuropsychic shock or chronic stress. Depression can be accompanied by severe illness, sudden changes in life.

Treatment is based on the use of psychotherapeutic techniques. In some cases, it is supplemented by taking medications.

Causes

Depending on the form, the disease is associated with external or internal factors. The causes of psychogenic reactive depression can be severe experiences, an acute psychotraumatic situation. Often, a violation develops after the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, relocation, injury.

Positively colored events, for example, finally gained wealth or popularity, can also cause upset. In this case, mental deviations are explained by the realization of a dream with the subsequent loss of the meaning of life, provided there are no other goals.

Neurotic depression is a consequence of chronic stress. In this state, it is usually not possible to establish a specific cause of experiences. A person finds it difficult to name any specific psycho-traumatic circumstance, sees his life as a whole as a series of losses and disappointments.

Depression in men often develops with regular use of alcoholic beverages, psychoactive substances.

Other risk factors for affective disorder in patients of either sex are:

  • very high or extremely low financial status;
  • impressionability, suspiciousness, poor resistance to stress;
  • low self-esteem, a tendency to self-flagellation;
  • pessimistic outlook on life;
  • high psycho-emotional stress in professional activities;
  • difficult childhood, psychotraumatic situations suffered at a young age;
  • divorce of parents or loss of one of them, upbringing in an incomplete family, orphanage;
  • the presence of mental or neurotic disorders, addictions among relatives;
  • loneliness, lack of support in the family and social environment;
  • economic and political instability in the country;
  • physiologically determined changes in the hormonal background - the process of puberty, the postpartum period, menopause.

Endogenous depressions develop as a result of neurochemical abnormalities due to genetic mutation or aging of the body. This group of disorders includes involutional melancholia and senile depression. This form of pathology also occurs in manic-depressive psychosis, characterized by a change in the phases of mania, depression and mental stability.

The likelihood of depression in women is higher in the postpartum and menopause periods, when there is a change in the level of sex hormones, which is stressful for the body. In a young mother, neuropsychic disorders can occur with complicated childbirth, problems with breastfeeding or the health of the baby, and the appearance of excess weight.

Diseases of various organs can also be accompanied by depression. They are divided into the following groups:

  1. Pathologies of the cardiovascular system - myocardial infarction, hypertension, circulatory failure, heart rhythm disturbances.
  2. Brain damage due to stroke, neuroinfection or head trauma.
  3. Endocrine disorders - diabetes mellitus, hyper- or hypofunction of the thyroid gland.
  4. Violation of the digestive system - cirrhosis of the liver, colitis.
  5. Rheumatic diseases with prolonged pain syndrome - rheumatism, systemic lesions of the connective tissue, arthritis.
  6. Oncological processes, especially malignant neoplasms.

Classification

Depending on the severity and nature of manifestations, depression is of the following types:

  • major or clinical;
  • postpartum;
  • atypical;
  • recurrent;
  • small;
  • dysthymia.

Latent or "masked" depression is characterized by the absence of signs of neuropsychiatric disorders and symptoms characteristic of somatic diseases. The following options are distinguished:

  • cardiology;
  • abdominal;
  • dermal.

Caused by an acute psycho-traumatic situation, reactive psychogenic depression proceeds in several stages:

  1. Denial. The psyche makes an attempt to isolate itself from the ongoing negative events, the patient stubbornly does not believe in what happened.
  2. Anger. Anger arises from a sense of injustice, and the search for the guilty begins.
  3. Trade. A person tries to negotiate in order to avoid consequences. This indicates active attempts to find a way out of the situation.
  4. Depression. There is a feeling of loss of control over what is happening, a feeling of powerlessness and the impossibility of correcting anything. This is accompanied by a depressed mood, apathy, laziness, sadness, pessimistic judgments.
  5. Acceptance. After a real assessment of the situation and the prospects that have opened up, a person resigns himself to his fate and mentally prepares for the consequences.

Symptoms

The main manifestations of the disease are united under the name "depressive triad" and include:

  • a persistent decrease in mood, despair, melancholy, a sense of hopelessness for several weeks and even months;
  • slowing down of thinking, problems with memorizing and analyzing information, fixation on one's own experiences;
  • decreased motor activity, slowness, lethargy, prolonged stay in the same position.

The patient ceases to enjoy activities that previously brought positive emotions, becomes withdrawn and taciturn, can spend most of the day lying in bed or sitting, hunched over, bowing his head and resting his elbows on his knees. Feelings of guilt appear, self-esteem falls, suicidal thoughts arise. Fatigue is characteristic, the solution of simple everyday tasks requires great effort.

In some cases, depression may present with the following symptoms:

  • nocturnal insomnia, often associated with drowsiness during the day;
  • decreased appetite and weight loss;
  • increased heart rate;
  • constipation;
  • dilated pupils;
  • loss of sexual desire;
  • menstrual disorders;
  • intense pain in different parts of the body without objective causes;
  • aggressive behavior, attacks and accusations against other people;
  • dryness and flabbiness of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles;
  • increased hair loss, brittle nails.

With endogenous depression, the intensity of symptoms peaks in the morning, gradually weakening during the day, and the manifestations of psychogenic affective disorders increase in the evening. A feature of postnatal depression is a decrease in the mother's interest in the child, irritation from the need to take care of him.

Clinical depression is severe, including all of the triad and many additional symptoms. The small form is characterized by only a couple of signs of the disease that persist for two or more weeks. The atypical variant proceeds with increased appetite, drowsiness, emotional arousal, and anxiety.

Recurrent depression is characterized by a short duration of several days with a monthly recurrence. Seasonal affective disorder is associated with the change of seasons, the symptoms begin and end at about the same time interval. With dysthymia, the mood is steadily reduced for several years, but negative emotions and experiences do not reach the intensity characteristic of clinical depression.

Complications

The greatest danger is suicidal thoughts arising from the disease. They can provoke appropriate actions and lead to tragic consequences. With postpartum depression, a woman can harm not only herself, but also the child. In order to alleviate symptoms, the patient may resort to taking alcohol, drugs.

Diagnostics

With somatogenic or latent forms of the disease, a person can seek help from a general practitioner, cardiologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist and other doctors. In the case of psychogenic affective disorder, self-referral to a psychologist is possible. It is important that these specialists promptly refer the patient to a psychotherapist who diagnoses depression. It detects the disease by questioning the patient, during which complaints and symptoms are clarified, possible causative factors. Based on the data received, the doctor will tell you how to get out of depression as soon as possible and draw up a treatment plan.

Special tests for depression are carried out to determine the severity of the process. They include standardized tasks designed and tested by experts. Thus, personal needs, character traits, emotional responses, intelligence levels, anxiety and stress are studied. The Beck Depression Scale with a test questionnaire is often used to identify and assess symptoms of the disease.

Treatment

With a mild course of the disease, it is possible to undergo only a course of psychotherapy without the use of medications. Additionally, massage, hydrotherapy and exercise therapy may be recommended. Moderate and severe affective disorders also require medication.

The essence of drug therapy for depression is to take drugs that affect the production of biologically active substances that cause the transmission of a neurochemical impulse through the neurons of the limbic system of the brain. For this purpose, antidepressants are used. A large clinical form of the disease, as a rule, requires hospitalization. According to indications for severe depression, pills for insomnia and anxiety are also prescribed - sedatives, tranquilizers.

Psychogenic reactive disorders are successfully treated, and soon after the onset of the disease comes the way out of depression. The clinical picture of the somatogenic form of the disease depends on the severity of the organic pathology. Endogenous disorders are not amenable to psychotherapy, but medication can often achieve long-term remission. Neurotic depression is prone to a long, chronic course.

The author of the article:

Ivanova Natalya Vladimirovna

therapist

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