Stating that the incidence of winter depression is 10-15 percent among people without any psychiatric complaints and complaints, experts point out that the most important symptom of winter depression is an increase in sleep need and eating behavior. Pointing out the importance of early intervention in winter depression, experts emphasize that sleep hours should be limited, diet should be established and regular daylight should be utilized.
NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir made evaluations on the symptoms of winter depression and the measures to be taken.
Winter depression is also seen in healthy people
Stating that winter depression can also be seen in healthy individuals without any psychiatric complaints and applications, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "10-15% of healthy people are sensitive to light and temperature changes that come with winter. A similar clustering in the family increases the risk. This condition is more common in women. "Sensitivity to cyclical rhythms such as menstrual cycle, sleep-wake cycle, nutritional cycle may increase," she said.
Noting that the most prominent symptom of winter depression is a change in sleep and eating habits, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "It is accompanied by an increase in sleep need and eating behavior. This is accompanied by loss of energy and weakness. Emotions are melancholic type."
Stating that familial predisposition is a risk factor in winter depression, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "Being a woman, premenstrual syndrome, which we can define as a change in mood and related responses during and before menstrual periods, sleep disorder and migration are the main risk factors."
Phototherapy is an important treatment option
Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir emphasized that the treatment of winter depression should be divided into two as the treatment of the current depression and preventive treatment. "In the treatment of current depression, phototherapy is an important treatment option, unlike other non-seasonal depression types. In this treatment, the person sits in front of a device that emits controlled light at certain times of the day for a certain period of time. Preventive treatment is primarily pharmacological treatment."
Early intervention and treatment should not be neglected!
Stating that it is important to intervene in winter depression, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "As with any disease, remaining untreated means that the disease becomes chronic and the severity and duration of the symptoms continue to increase. The net loss is reflected in daily life as a decrease in occupational, family and social functionality." She warned that treatment should not be disrupted.
Stating that some measures can be taken to overcome or prevent winter depression more quickly, Prof. Dr. Sermin Kesebir said, "Limiting sleep hours, establishing a diet, regular physical exercise and regular exposure to daylight are essential both in the treatment of existing depression and in preventing recurrence."
