Problem: Using APA citations, provide a response to this discussion post comment
Seasonal Affective Disorder known as (SAD) is the combination of low TSH/T4 known as hypothyroidism including severe deficiencies in Vitamin D and Calcium. Sadly, creating a perfect storm for depressive symptoms, unfortunately these are physiological, symptoms of depression can be treated but in reality, they are only masking the symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. Using psychiatric medication without addressing an underlying endocrine disorder is considered treating the symptom rather than the etiology (Musselman & Nemeroff, 1996). When blood work is sent out to the lab, and results are back Dr. will determine the levels of low TSH and T4 which will result in hypothyroidism and as stated before hypothyroidism will imitate the symptoms of depression and also deficiencies of not only vitamin D and calcium as well.
The following are two evidence-based alternative treatment ideas that will address the physiological deficiencies and the psychological symptoms:
High-Intensity light therapy is used to treat conditions such as lack of exposure to natural sunlight. In this client's situation it is very important because it will bridge not only the gap between their SAD symptoms as well as the biological deficiencies that the Dr. will identify. The effectiveness has shown that the light therapy can be as effective as medications (antidepressants), at times the effectiveness can be quicker than medications itself. Unlike antidepressants, which often require 4 to 6 weeks to reach therapeutic levels, light therapy has been shown to produce clinical improvement in as little as one week (Terman & Terman, 2005).
Targeted Nutritional & Endocrine Support. Given the doctor's notes on food-as-medicine and supplementation approach is essential. The important question is why it may be better than medication? Antidepressants can help but they will not fix a vitamin deficiency or a slow thyroid. If antidepressants are given for depression but their Vitamin D is not at its level, we can use this saying "you are treating the smoke rather than the fire". This approach will restore the body's natural homeostasis. Nutritional and endocrine stabilization is required to restore the body's natural homeostasis, as Vitamin D and T4 are essential precursors for neurotransmitter synthesis (Penckofer et al., 2010). Need Assignment Help?
Reference:
Musselman, D. L., & Nemeroff, C. B. (1996). Depression and Endocrine Disorders: Focus on the Thyroid and Adrenal System. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 168(S30), 123-128.
Penckofer, S., Kouba, J., Byrn, M., & Estwing Ferrans, C. (2010). Vitamin D and Depression: Where is all the Sunshine? Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 31(6), 385-393.
Terman, M., & Terman, J. S. (2005). Light Therapy for Seasonal and Nonseasonal Depression: Efficacy, Protocol, Safety, and Side Effects. CNS Spectrums, 10(8), 647-663.