Posted by Run_Wild on February 28, 2005, at 17:54:09
In reply to Re: Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder » Run_Wild, posted by Optimist on February 26, 2005, at 23:51:14
> Some of what you said rang a bell of dysphoric mania or a mixed episode. A lot of your symptoms seem opposite to what most winter SAD's experience similar to atypical depression features which is often the flip side of mania. Most atypicals have an increased need for carbs and sleep. You sound like you have the physical features of a hypomania combined with a negative mood. The fact that thyroid medication also helped rings another bell, which seems to help many bipolars albeit depressives as well though.
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> Have you been on any psych meds yet? Perhaps a mood stabilizer would do you well.
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> BrianBrian,
Thanks for your response. I agree that a lot of my symptoms are opposite of Winter SADs, and most of the experts agree that Winter SADs and Summer SADs have very different symptoms; in fact the only similarity is the depression and the fact that it’s cyclical.
As for meds, other than Cytomel (T3 for thyroid) I’ve been on several anti-depressants, Lexapro most recently. The Lexapro has helped a lot over the last three years I’ve been on it.
I’ve read about some Summer SADs who are on anti-depressants year-round and kick in with a mood stabilizer in the summer. So far, I’m lucky enough to get by with no more additional meds as long as I get exercise (in the early morning) and limit my carbs in the summer. Oh, and an occassional whine session about the sunshine and heat! :-)
I’m not familiar with some of the other things you mention: hypomania, dysphoric mania or mixed episode. I’ll have to do some research on those.
Thanks again and take care, Run_Wild
poster:Run_Wild
thread:463148
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050224/msgs/464562.html