First off, bright light therapy can help for Circadian Rhythm sleep disorder. The principle of light therapy is to imitate bright sunlight and in turn tune the body clock. The light is provided through a light box.

This therapy helps a person maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by sending a properly timed signal of light through the retina of the eye to the brain’s suprachaismatic nucleus, or body clock in the hypothalamus.  Circadian rhythm disturbances respond very well to light therapy, especially bright light (>600 lux). The timing of light therapy also is important as it affects the degree and direction of the rhythm shift. The modes of therapy for different disorders are:

- Light therapy applied in the early evening and nighttime hours will delay the cycle for Advanced Circadian Rhythm Disorder (ACR)

- In the early morning light therapy will stimulate morning alertness and an earlier bedtime for Delayed Circadian Rhythm Disorder (DCR).

-Bimodal Circadian Rhythm Disorder (BCR) may cause a person to be awake during the night, so it is important to avoid light during the night. Use bright light in the mid morning, afternoon, late afternoon and evening while avoiding bright morning light before 9:00 am.

- For sighted people, bright morning light should regulate Non 24-hour Sleep/Wake Cycle symptoms or a free running circadian rhythm

Light therapy should always be used within the proper limits for intensity and time

Read more: Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders – Treatment http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sleep/Circadian_Rhythm_Sleep_Disorders_bright_light_therapy.htm#ixzz0yIalXpJT

Symptoms

Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms include fatigue, depression, a decrease in activity, overeating and a lack of desire to engage in social events.

Time Frame

The depression symptoms typically begin in October and begin to lift around March to April.

Demographics

SAD affects women more often than it affects men, but the symptoms in men are stronger.

Region

The disorder is most common in areas of the world farther from the equator. The days are shorter and therefore, less sunlight is available during the day.

Therapy

Because the cause of the disorder is a lack of daylight, therapy for SAD includes using a special light box 30 minutes a day to increase daylight exposure. Other therapy includes medications, moving to a warmer climate during the winter, learning stress-reduction techniques and eating a healthy diet.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22523-seasonal-diffective-disorder/#ixzz0wskyQOw7

When symptoms of SAD first develop, it’s not uncommon for parents to attribute low motivation, energy, and interest to an intentional poor attitude. Learning about SAD can help them understand another possible reason for the changes, easing feelings of blame or impatience with their child or teen.

Parents sometimes are unsure about how to discuss their concerns and observations. The best approach is usually one that’s supportive and nonjudgmental. Try opening the discussion saying something like, “You haven’t seemed yourself lately — you’ve been so sad and grouchy and tired, and you don’t seem to be having much fun. It seems like you’ve been feeling kind of worn out and exhausted — like you just can’t get enough sleep. So, I’ve made an appointment for you to get a checkup. I want to help you to feel better and get back to doing your best and enjoying yourself again.”

Here are a few things you can do if your child or teen has been diagnosed with SAD:

• Participate in your child’s treatment. Ask the doctor how you can best help your child.
• Help your child understand SAD. Learn about the disorder and provide simple explanations. Remember, concentration might be difficult, so it’s unlikely your child will want to read or study much about SAD — if so, just recap the main points.
• Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise and to spend time outdoors. Take a daily walk together.
• Find quality time. Spend a little extra time with your child — nothing special, just something low-key that doesn’t require much energy. Bring home a movie you might enjoy or share a snack together. Your company and caring are important and provide personal contact and a sense of connection.
• Be patient. Don’t expect symptoms to go away immediately. Remember that low motivation, low energy, and low mood are part of SAD — it’s unlikely that your child will respond cheerfully to your efforts to help.
• Help with homework. You may have to temporarily provide hands-on assistance to help your child organize assignments or complete work. Explain that concentration problems are part of SAD and that things will get better again. Kids and teens with SAD may not realize this and worry that they’re incapable of doing the schoolwork. You may also want to talk to the teachers and ask for extensions on assignments until things get better with treatment.
• Help your child to eat right. Encourage your child to avoid loading up on simple carbohydrates and sugary snacks. Provide plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
• Establish a sleep routine. Encourage your child to stick to a regular bedtime every day to reap the mental health benefits of daytime light.
• Take it seriously. Don’t put off evaluation if you suspect your child has SAD. If diagnosed, your child should learn about the seasonal pattern of the depression. Talk often about what’s happening, and offer reassurance that things will get better, even though that may seem impossible right now.

-Only 20% of teenagers get enough sleep (8-10 hours is optimal)

-According to a study done at the University of Michigan states that children who get less than 9.75 hours of sleep are 40% more likely to be overweight by sixth grade.

-The same study shows a direct correlation between the hours of sleep a child gets and their risk for obesity.  The rate for obesity declines with more sleep.

-Adults who sleep less that 7 hours have a high risk for weight gain.

-Only 20% of teens get adequate sleep.  A survey reported that 16% of teens admit to having sleep problems and 28% admit to falling asleep in school.

-New science relates the lack of adequate sleep to increased risk for obesity, depression, alcohol and drug abuse and future cardiovascular disease.

-Adolescents with a history of sleep problems are twice as likely to have ADHD as those without.  Some ADHD medications can exacerbate the sleep quality issues.

-A good night of quality sleep is key to memory and learning.  Our brain takes information in our short term memory and moves to the long term memory during sleep.

How can you and your family get the quality and ideal amount of sleep?

-Set a sleep schedule and do your best to keep it!

-Stay away from caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, as well as alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime.

-Stay physically active and exercise early in the day.

-Have a relaxing bedtime routine to get your body ready for sleep

-Make breakfast your biggest meal of the day.

-Get lots of bright light in the morning.

-Drink 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water per day.  Even mild dehydration (1/2 cup of your body’s water) could turn into   low-grade chronic fatigue.

-Naps are ok but try to limit them to 15 minutes.

-Go to bed when you are sleepy.  If you don’t fall asleep in 15-20 minutes get up and leave the bedroom.

-Move the television out of the bedroom.

-Keep the bedroom cool and add blankets if you are chilly.

There are many things to try, but the important thing is to keep searching for the combination that is right for you and your body. Get the rejuvenating sleep that your body deserves every night. Try using a light box in the morning when you wake up to help keep your circadian rhythm in check.

Major Depression

Major depression is one type of depression that occurs in both children and adults, though it is more prevalent in women, according to the NIH. To be diagnosed with major depression, the patient must have five or more symptoms of depression that last for at least two weeks. Like other psychiatric disorders, these symptoms must be a change in the person’s normal mood and behavior, and must interfere in her ability to function. Examples of major depression symptoms include agitation, problems concentrating, sleeping difficulties, changes in appetite and weight, feeling hopeless or worthless, fatigue, withdrawal from once enjoyed activities, and suicidal thoughts. If, however, the patient has only two to four symptoms, she is diagnosed with minor depression.

Atypical Depression

The NIH states that one-third of patients with depression are diagnosed with atypical depression. The main diagnostic criteria of atypical depression is mood reactivity, where the patient’s mood either improves or deteriorates in response to an event; a patient with major depression, on the other hand, only has a depressed mood. In addition to the mood reactivity, the patient must have two or more of the following symptoms: a strong reaction to rejection, overeating, oversleeping and a heavy feeling in the limbs.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression that affects five percent of the population, according to the NIH. A patient can have just dysthymia, or dysthymia combined with another form of depression, like major depression, or a psychiatric disorder. To be diagnosed with dysthymia, the patient must have a low mood for at least two years and two other symptoms, like poor concentration, feeling hopeless, low self-esteem, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleeping problems.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the winter, though a rare form of SAD occurs during the summer, according to the NIH. For a patient to have SAD, symptoms must be present for at least two years, and he cannot have depressive episodes at other points of the year. Symptoms that distinguish SAD from other depressive disorders include decreased energy and concentration in the afternoon, lethargic movement, excessive daytime sleepiness, and carbohydrate cravings.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/89356-diagnostics-depression/#ixzz0vT7PCMyT

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Levels appear to vary according to the amount of daily sunlight. In “Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder,” Dr. Norman Rosenthal summarizes a collection of studies examining the role of serotonin in SAD. Dr. Rosenthal was the first researcher to describe SAD. People with SAD often crave carbohydrates such as sweets and starches; increased carbohydrate consumption appears to raise serotonin levels in the brain, offering support for a relationship with SAD. When people with SAD received light therapy, administering drugs that lowered serotonin levels appeared to undo light therapy treatment gains. For these reasons, antidepressants such as SSRI’s that increase serotonin levels may help to alleviate SAD.

Dopamine

SSRI’s aren’t the only class of antidepressants that affect SAD. Another antidepressant, Bupropion, that has been found to help with SAD, increases levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with response to pleasurable experiences.

Norepinephrine

In addition to dopamine, Bupropion increases levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which may also alleviate symptoms of SAD. Norepinephrine increases secretion of melatonin, which research has been implicated in SAD. Because neurochemical processes are so complex, it’s possible that levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine all work in concert in creating or reducing SAD symptoms. All three are influenced by light therapy, the treatment of choice for SAD.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a naturally occurring chemical that helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Secretion of melatonin increases during dark periods and decreases during light exposure. Research has found an association between melatonin levels and SAD, although the precise relationship between the two is not entirely clear.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/94110-chemical-causes-seasonal-affective-disorders/#ixzz0vT6N797r

The symptoms that men experience can be different from those that women experience. Symptoms including anger, irritability, and feeling discouraged are more common in men than symptoms of hopelessness or helplessness.

Typical symptoms we associate with depression such as depressed mood may not be present in depression in men. This can make it more difficult to recognize depression in men. Many famous men, including President Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, had depression and still lived successful lives.

Unfortunately, men are not as likely as women to admit to having depression. Even if they do admit to having depression, they may be less likely to seek treatment. Men may stuff their feelings instead of verbalizing them. They may work more, gamble, or use alcohol or drugs to avoid their feelings. Their sleep and or appetite may change. They may suddenly begin talking about divorce or separation.

Women attempt suicide more often than men, but the rate of completed suicide in men is 4 times that of women. Suicide rates peak in mid life and again later in life. Men age 85 and older have the highest suicide rate.

Men want and need to be strong for their families; they don’t want to appear weak or vulnerable. If they are the primary bread winner, they can feel pressure to provide for their dependents. Of course, these general statements can be applied to women as well.

If you suspect a friend or loved one may be depressed, urge them to seek a professional evaluation. There are many options, including medication, therapy or a combination of the two.

As many as 1 out of every 3 people who have a heart attack report feelings of depression. Women, people who have had depression before, and people who feel alone and without social or emotional support are at a higher risk of depression after a heart attack.

If you have major depression and have had a heart attack, you’re at a much higher risk to die of a heart attack. Although this is very sobering, you need to know the facts. We know that chemicals in our brain are not in proper balance when depressed. When people suffer from depression, they are not as likely to take care of themselves properly. People don’t eat right and commonly don’t exercise. Sleep is usually disturbed in some way, too.

Anxiety increases heart patients’ likelihood of suffering a heart attack, stroke or heart failure.  The link between anxiety and such events can’t be explained by health behaviors like smoking, severity of disease or biological factors such as hormone levels or heart rate.

So if you have depression and heart disease, pay extra attention to your physical and mental health. Don’t put off asking for help. You and your body deserve it!

Treating depression is always important and it can be successfully treated during and after pregnancy. Some antidepressant/anti anxiety medications can be used safely throughout pregnancy and breast feeding.

A drug free way of treating depression during pregnancy is by using a light therapy box.  Bright light therapy is as effective as the antidepressants in depression cure in pregnant women.  Bright light therapy has yielded favorable results for curing depression in pregnancy.  It also is quite safe as it does not have any side effects.  It requires a patient to sit in front of a box for about 30 minutes a day, depending on the patient.

Here are some findings from research on pregnancy and depression:

• Babies born to moms with depression have an increased risk for irritability, less activity and attentiveness and fewer facial expressions.
• There are possible fetal abnormalities when mothers take antidepressants in the first trimester. But there’s not a particular pattern associated with a specific medication or class of medications.

Some specific treatment recommendations include:

• Talk to your provider early if you are planning to conceive. You can talk about the best options for you as an individual.
• Encourage the provider who will deliver your baby and your mental health provider to consult with each other on the best options for you. They will help you understand the risks and benefits of medication versus therapy, etc.
• If you are taking an antidepressant for depression, don’t discontinue or change your dose of medication on your own. This could be dangerous and your symptoms could worsen.
• Use bright light therapy as a drug free option to treat your depression during pregnancy.
• If you have severe depression and are pregnant, you should remain on medication.

Untreated depression during pregnancy has been proven to lead to higher rates of:

• Lower birth weights
• Pre-term labor (depression doubles the risk)
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs to self-medicate

Please have a candid discussion with both your psychiatrist and OB-GYN regarding the benefits, risks and side effects of all medications. If you have been diagnosed with depression and are considering pregnancy, meet with your health providers before you get pregnant. This will provide peace of mind and help to make sure that you and your baby are both as healthy as possible.

Winter Blues, Revised Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder by Norman E. Rosenthal

Snooze… or Lose!: 10 “No-War” Ways to Improve Your Teen’s Sleep Habits by M.D. Dr. Helene A. Emsellem

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond: Light Treatment for Sad and Non-Sad Conditions by Raymond W. Lam

A Clinician’s Guide to Using Light Therapy (Cambridge Clinical Guides) by Raymond W. Lam and Edwin M. Tam

The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood’s Most Misunderstood Disorder by Demitri Papolos M.D. and Janice Papolos

Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: What It Is and How to Overcome It by Norman E. Rosenthal

Seasonal Affective Disorder For Dummies by Laura L. Smith and Charles H. Elliott