Scientists from the University of Copenhagen found out why some people get depressed in the winter, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

In the course of their research, scientists analyzed data from 11 people with SAD and 23 healthy volunteers. Using positron emission tomography, scientists have found in people with SAD a significant difference between summer and winter periods in the level of serotonin-carrying protein (SERT). With an increase in the activity of these proteins, the level of serotonin in the body decreases. People with SAD had a higher level of SERT in winter and, therefore, a lower level of happiness hormone. In healthy people, this tendency has not been noticed, as the online edition reports for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net "We think we managed to find the lever that turns the brain to regulate serotonin when the seasons change," says Brenda McMahon, who led the study.. - Serotonin-carrying protein (SERT) transports serotonin to neurons, where it is in a passive state. Accordingly, the higher the SERT activity, the lower the serotonin activity ".

“Due to sunlight, the content of these proteins is naturally low, but with an increase in the length of the dark time of day, the content of SERT begins to increase in autumn, which reduces the level of serotonin activity. Many people are not exposed to SAD, and, as we managed to find out, these people do not increase the level of SERT, so their serotonin activity remains high in winter, ”she added.

Siegfried Casper of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology said this study was not the first of its kind, but it allowed us to monitor patients at different times of the year..

“It looks like it confirmed that the serotonin-carrying protein is associated with SAD,” he said..

How can you deal with SAD?.

According to the representative of the Mind Foundation, which provides assistance to people with mental disorders, Sam Hallis, there is a wide range of methods aimed at supporting those exposed to SAD. For example, light therapy and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

“We know that a healthy, balanced diet, a reduction in coffee consumption and exercise can have a beneficial effect,” she said, “just like spending the most possible time outdoors. Even if the sky is overcast, still the amount of light will be greater than inside. ”.

aspekty. net.