What about seasonal affective disorder?

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by oldtintype

I don't think omega 3s and exercise are feel good tricks. My experience with SAD is living with someone who has it and is successful and now (very) happy with Fish Oil, regular exercise and Vitamin D. He was miserable before and did try light therapy, which didn't work well for him.

That's just about proof positive that SAD turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis for this person (false-positive diagnoses for SAD are common because SAD is diagnosed by exclusion; there is no "gold standard test"). Someone who actually had SAD would show no response to fish oil or vitamins, which have no effect on seratonin manufacture or reuptake (though exercise might). Someone with actual SAD should show at least some response to light therapy. This person was probably just Vitamin D deficient, a condition that can also result in its own mood disorder as a secondary outcome. Insufficient UVb radiation can cause both Vitamin D deficiency and SAD, but the two conditions are not otherwise related.

One of the characteristics that is often used to differentiate the two is that SAD sufferers tend to have an intense carbohydrate craving during the low-light times of the year.

[oldtintype]

Originally Posted by Steve97415

That's just about proof positive that SAD turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis for this person (false-positive diagnoses for SAD are common because SAD is diagnosed by exclusion; there is no "gold standard test"). Someone who actually had SAD would show no response to fish oil or vitamins, which have no effect on seratonin manufacture or reuptake (though exercise might). Someone with actual SAD should show at least some response to light therapy. This person was probably just Vitamin D deficient, a condition that can also

One of the characteristics that is often used to differentiate the two is that SAD sufferers tend to have an intense carbohydrate craving during the low-light times of the year.

I find it interesting that you can diagnose someone you've never met.
You're neglecting to respond to the most important thing that he does to combat it--ride his bike EVERYWHERE. I'm talking about commuting by bike daily about 20 miles round trip. This was to get OFF the meds he was originally prescribed. With intense exercise and supplements he's been able to combat it and is happy. Light therapy worked "a bit" but not enough to prevent medication, which he wasn't happy with as it caused him to gain weight.

He actually does have an intense carb cravings which is probably also why he gained so much weight initially.

I think people respond to things in different ways, SAD or not. I also should add that studies do show that Fish Oil can help with depression/mood and that someone with darker skin in Oregon will particularly be helped by Vitamin D, which he has.

[Oregonbeachlover]

Originally Posted by Steve97415
That's just about proof positive that SAD turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis for this person (false-positive diagnoses for SAD are common because SAD is diagnosed by exclusion; there is no "gold standard test").



As SAD is a nebulous "diagnosis", and of course given that we are all, each one, "unique" and complex, no one remedy would be a fit/cure for all. If someone feels better doing a particular thing, then I say great.