Showing posts with label treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label treatment. Show all posts

Magnesium overdose symptoms - Magnesium overdose treatment

   ›      ›   Magnesium overdose causes, symptoms and treatment
Magnesium overdose is the presence of excess levels of magnesium in the body. A healthy kidney naturally removes the extra magnesium (Mg) from the body.
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Overdose of this essential mineral rarely occurs among healthy people by way of consuming rich food sources. Magnesium overdose or toxicity with several symptoms occurs when too much of the mineral is ingested in the form of supplements, antacids and laxatives in a short span of time. It occurs because, the intake through the oral or intravenous route exceeds the renal excretory threshold, thereby building up Mg2+ ions in the serum.

Causes of magnesium overdose

Magnesium overdose with several symptoms, sometimes fatal, occurs when there is renal insufficiency. In such patients, even foods containing high levels of the mineral can lead to its elevated serum levels. In the event of acute renal failure, unmonitored intake of Mg can sometimes be fatal.

Patients suffering from intestinal hypomotility (constipation) take laxatives containing magnesium. In such patients, persisting intestinal hypomotility without evacuation can cause accumulation of laxatives in the gastrointestinal tract as well as its increased absorption into the body causing several overdose symptoms. Certain systemic diseases and syndromes can also cause elevated Mg levels.
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Kutsal E et al reported a case of magnesium overdose caused in a constipated child. The child had normal renal function. To relieve constipation, she was given magnesium hydroxide cathartic tablets for seven days. The serum Mg levels reached 14.9 mg/dL and the child had symptoms of lethargy and hypotension when referred to a hospital. Immediate hemodialysis provided relief from the hypermagnesemia related symptoms. Eclamptic mother who has undergone magnesium sulfate infusion may cause hypermagnesemia symptoms in the newborn.

Magnesium overdose symptoms

In mild overdose, there may not be any immediate observable clinical symptoms and the condition may stay undetected. Depending upon the elevation of serum magnesium, the symptoms may progress in severity. The first symptoms are gastrointestinal. Elevated serum magnesium, functioning as physiologic calcium channel blocker, leads to abnormalities in electrical conduction and nerve-to-muscle transmission, affecting almost all organ systems. Any impairment to the electrical pathways will have neuromuscular, renal, cardiovascular and respiratory manifestations.

Gastrointestinal manifestations

A mild magnesium overdose causes diarrhea which is due to its laxative effects. The laxative effects are due to osmotic activity of unabsorbed Mg salts in the intestine. The patient may also have symptoms like nausea, lack of appetite and vomiting. The affected patient may have abdominal pain, cramps, distension, stomach pain, increased thirst and bloating.

Neuromuscular dysfunctions

The calcium channel blocking effects cause the malfunction of excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles. As an effect of magnesium overdose, deep tendon reflexes will appear diminished at serum concentrations of over 2.5 mmol/L and will vanish when levels exceed 5 mmol/L. The impairment of the electrical pathways in skeletal muscles cause neuromuscular symptoms including muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, lethargy, cutaneous flushing, tiredness, joint pain, loss of muscle tone (hypotonia) and hyporeflexia.

Cardiovascular manifestations

The impairment of the electrical pathways in the smooth and cardiac muscles has several manifestations. Vasodilation, a condition of relaxation of smooth muscles within the blood vessel walls, leads to drop in arterial pressure, cardiac output, and peripheral resistance to blood flow. The immediate effect is the drop in blood pressure (hypotension) and bradycardia (low resting heart rate or pulse rate).
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Another effect of impaired electrical conduction and pacemaker signals is cardiac dysrhythmia (arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat). In severe magnesium overdose, heart block, an impairment of electrical system of the heart, may occur with symptoms like lightheadedness, fainting and palpitations. In extreme conditions, the cardiac electrical activity in patient ceases and asystolic death occurs.

Respiratory and cerebral manifestations

The hypotonia causes hypoventilation (respiratory depression) and impaired breathing, which in turn cause cerebral hypoxia (reduced oxygen) or hypoxic encephalopathy. Poor oxygen supply to brain and impaired electrical pathways can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, drowsiness, confusion, sleepiness, visual disturbances, restlessness, anxiety syndromes, loss of consciousness and brain death. In case of extreme magnesium overdose the patient may even develop coma, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest.
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Chronic magnesium overdose can place a great deal of stress on the kidneys and cause their malfunction. Elevated serum levels of the mineral interfere with the effects of parathyroid hormone, resulting in hypocalcemia. There are several contraindications with certain medications, which is dealt in the topic on magnesium side effects.

Magnesium overdose treatment

  • Stopping intake of supplements, antacids and laxatives containing magnesium may resolve conditions connected with mild to moderate overdose.
  • In case of magnesium poisoning stomach evacuation (stomach pumping, gastric irrigation, gastric suction or gastric lavage) can stop further absorption of the mineral from the GI tract.
  • Administering intravenous fluids increases the serum volume and brings down the relative level of magnesium immediately and also helps in faster excretory clearance of the element by the kidney.
  • In patients with renal insufficiency, immediate haemodialysis is the solution.
  • Intravenous calcium gluconate is administered to negate the effect of magnesium on the neuromuscular and cardiac functions and reduce the severity of symptoms.
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References:
1.http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

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Current topic on nutritional deficiency diseases: Magnesium overdose and side effects.
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Hypermagnesemia symptoms - Hypermagnesemia treatment - causes

› › › Hypermagnesemia causes - Hypermagnesemia symptoms and treatment
Hypermagnesemia is a rare disorder of electrolyte balance caused by elevated levels of serum magnesium. Early symptoms of hypermagnesemia are general lethargy and hypotension.
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Treatment of the disorder is essentially by immediate discontinuation of magnesium intake and haemodialysis. Elevated serum magnesium level is of rare occurrence, as in healthy individuals excess amounts of the mineral is eliminated by the kidneys in the urine.

Hypermagnesemia symptoms

Depending upon the level of increase in serum magnesium, symptoms of hypermagnesemia progress in severity. Some of the symptoms are listed below:
  • Lethargy,
  • nausea,
  • hypotension,
  • hyporeflexia,
  • hypoventilation,
  • vasodilatation,
  • arrhythmia,
  • hypoxic encephalopathy,
  • bradycardia,
  • asystole and
  • cardiac arrest.

Hypermagnesemia causes

Intake of very large doses of magnesium-containing supplements, laxatives or antacids by persons with renal insufficiency can cause hypermagnesemia.
Absence of hemodialysis in the event of acute renal failure, causes elevated magnesium levels in the blood serum.
Calcium deficiency symptoms | Nutritional deficiency diseases | Carbohydrate deficiency | Protein deficiency diseases | Mineral deficiency symptoms | Protein energy malnutrition
Intestinal hypomotility causes decreased elimination of the mineral as well as its increased absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Adrenal insufficiency is known to cause secondary hypermagnesemia.
Pregnant women under preeclampsia or eclampsia treatment, are given magnesium sulfate infusion to prevent eclamptic seizures and to control blood pressure. Close monitoring is necessary to prevent rise in serum levels of magnesium.
Neonates may receive excess magnesium from their eclamptic mother who has undergone magnesium sulfate infusion.
An episode of diabetic ketoacidosis and dehydration can cause hypermagnesemia.
Release of massive amounts of intracellular magnesium in conditions such as rhabdomyolysis, hemolysis or tumor lysis syndrome can contribute to elevated levels of the mineral in the blood serum.
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Endocrine system impairment as in hypothyroidism or hyperparathyroidism can cause this disorder.
Excessive consumption of magnesium compounds as supplements or laxatives can cause hypermagnesemia in constipated individuals.
Kutsal E et al reported a case of severe hypermagnesemia as a result of excessive purgative ingestion in a child without renal failure. She was given magnesium hydroxide cathartic tablets for seven days for relieving constipation. The serum magnesium levels reached 14.9 mg/dL and the child had symptoms of lethargy and hypotension when referred to hospital. Immediate hemodialysis improved her condition and the magnesium level was brought under control with the resolution of symptoms.
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In another case reported by Weng YM et al, a 70 years old women suffering from constipation, had the magnesium oxide tablets retained in the gastrointestinal tract without evacuation. It caused continuous absorption and rebound of hypermagnesemia leading to prolonged hypotension and hypoxic encephalopathy.

Hypermagnesemia treatment

The first step in treatment is withdrawing magnesium supplementation in all forms.
In patients suffering from persistent bowel hypomotility (constipation) even after the use magnesium based laxatives, gastrointestinal tract evacuation or decontamination must be carried out to stop continued absorption of the mineral.
Intravenous calcium gluconate is administered as treatment to negate the effect of hypermagnesemia on the neuromuscular and cardiac functions.
In case of renal sufficiency intravenous diuretics are administered to speedup the elimination of the excess mineral.
In case of hypermagnesemia induced by other diseases, simultaneous treatments must carried out.
In cases of renal insufficiency or failure, hemodialysis is the only treatment option available to remove excess magnesium.
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References:
1.Kutsal E, Aydemir C, Eldes N, Demirel F, Polat R, Taspnar O, Kulah E. Severe hypermagnesemia as a result of excessive cathartic ingestion in a child without renal failure. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2007 Aug;23(8):570-2.
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Osteomalacia treatment - Vitamin D deficiency

Home > Osteomalacia > Osteomalacia treatment

Successful treatment of osteomalacia is accomplished by mineralization of the soft bones matrix with light, dietary advice and supplements of vitamin D and calcium.
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Sunlight (ultraviolet B light) in the treatment of osteomalacia (soft bones)

The sunlight apart from containing visible light composes a broad band of invisible light and ultraviolet (UV) light is one of them.
Ultraviolet light is again divided into three types depending upon the wave length like UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.
The UV-A spectrum causes sun tan and sunburn. Long exposure to UV-C can cause skin cancer. UV-B is involved in the production of vitamin D in the skin and strengthening the soft bones.
The presence of UV-B is relative to the slant of the light. Greater the slant lesser are the UV-B rays present.
Exposure between 10am-2pm gives the maximum benefit of vitamin D synthesis and helps in osteomalacia treatment.
In places like north America, Canada, northern Europe, northern Asia and southern Australia the slant of the sunlight is greater especially in their winter.
People who are confined to homes or have indoor jobs and those with darker skin are very high risk groups in these areas and may become deficient in vitamin D and develop osteomalacia resulting in soft bones.
They should make every possible attempt to go out in the sun to prevent osteomalacia.
The exposure of face, arms and hands to 15-20 minutes of sunlight is sufficient to produce required vitamin D in fair skinned people and will help in prevention of osteomalacia.
For people with darker skin require more exposure as the dark pigment melanin in their skin filters the sunlight.

Light-therapy (phototherapy) for osteomalacia 

The light treatment is given using lamps which give light near equal to sunlight for a specific period. Special bulbs and lamps are available in the market.
Alternatively UV-B radiating devices are also available with the sole purpose of vitamin D production in the skin.
Please take medical advice before using them in osteomalacia care due to the side-effects of the over-exposure.

Nutrition in osteomalacia

Food rich in cholecalciferol like fortified milk and cereals, egg, canned tuna and sardines, herring, mackerel and salmon are given during recuberation. Cod and its liver oil and liver are good sources of vitamin D. However it is doubtful whether adequacy levels of the nutrient can be reached through food sources only.

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplements for Osteomalacia

Depending upon the condition, osteomalacia treatment includes oral or intra-muscular supplements of cholecalciferol and calcium. Phosphorus supplements may also be given.
During this period, supplements of cholecalciferol of strength 800-4000 IU/per day are given for 6 - 8 weeks.
Serum levels of calcium rises within 48 hours of the start of the treatment with cholecalciferol.
There will be marked improvement of the condition of the osteomalacia affected within a few days of starting of the treatment for soft bones (osteomalacia).
After 8 weeks the cholecalciferol dose may be reduced to the normal maintenance level of 400 IU/day and the condition of osteomalacia resolves.
If there is any absorption problem in osteomalacia affected, intra-muscular injections are given and excess vitamin D is stored by the body for future utilization. Sufficient calcium should be given during treatment.
During treatment regular blood tests may be done to keep track of the cholecalciferol in serum. Cholecalciferol in excess can cause hypercalcaemia, a condition in which the presence of excess calcium in the blood causing problems.

For the treatment of osteomalacia, efforts must be taken to prevent it by sufficient exposure of the body to sunlight and the inclusion of vitamin D rich food in our daily diet.
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pellagra disease (niacin deficiency) - diagnosis, treatment and prevention

› › Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pellagra disease

Diagnosis of pellagra disease (niacin deficiency) is very difficult, whereas its treatment and prevention are simple.

Diagnosis of pellagra

For diagnosis of pellagra, earlier we had to rely on the symptoms narrated by the patient, signs observed and the nutritional deficiency status and diet of the patient.
In the early stages fewer of the niacin deficiency signs may be present and it becomes very difficult for the diagnosis of pellagra.
It will be easier for diagnosis and confirmation of the presence of pellagra disease, if all the three "D" symptoms (dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia) are present.
Nowadays the diagnosis can be confirmed by the measurement of excretion of N-methylnicotinamide per day in urine and treatment can be started.
However the facilities may not be easily available for the analysis and diagnosis in the developing and underdeveloped countries to start pellagra treatment with niacin supplements to remove deficiency.
If the patient has some of the signs and symptoms of pellagra the following steps may help in treatment and prevention.
The first step in diagnosis, treatment and prevention is to find out whether the patient is coming from pellagra prevalent region with niacin deficiency.
Next step in diagnosis and prevention is to ascertain the patient's food habits and find out whether maize is his staple food.
Persons afflicted by pellagra disease generally appear weak, underweight and poorly nourished.
It has to be ascertained whether the patient has dermatitis, diarrhea or dementia and nervous impairment.
Therapeutic doses of nicotinamide may be given for a few days to investigate for improvement in the condition.
If the disease is pellagra there will be marked improvement and the diagnosis of the disease is complete and treatment can be started.
Low serum levels of niacin and tryptophan may also confirm the disease and treatment can be started.
Low levels of pyridone and N-methylnicotinamide in urine can be due to niacin deficiency confirming the diagnosis for pellagra.
If less than 1.5mg of these organic compounds are excreted in a day, diagnosis of severe niacin deficiency is confirmed and immediate treatment is required.
The presence of three "Ds" (dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia) confirms the diagnosis of pellagra disease.
Dermatitis in pellagra patients has a characteristic appearance.
The exposed regions of the skin to sunlight get inflamed and red in appearance initially with marked margin with the unexposed skin.
This is a clear cut diagnosis of pellagra.
The swelling of tongue and mouth and oral sores also help in the diagnosis.
The chronic diarrhea and bleeding from intestine also help in diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms like diminished sensitivity to touch, irritability, and tremor help in diagnosis.

Treatment for pellagra disease

If the patient is fairly in the advanced stage of pellagra, hospitalisation is required for of acute niacin deficiency.
Patient with milder symptoms may undergo treatment at home for niacin deficiency.
Patients with dementia are preferably given treatment at hospital for prevention of complications with niacin deficiency.
Oral administration of nicotinamide or nicotinic acid helps in the reversal of symptoms of niacin deficiency.
The exact dosage will be recommended by physician considering the stage of the disease and the age and weight of the patients.
Persons who are comatose, uncooperative or with severe swelling and blocking of the mouth may be given injections of vitamin B3 to resolve niacin deficiency.
For patients with dementia and severe pain tranquilizers may be given.
Anti-inflammatory antibiotic creams must be applied to skin conditions till the niacin deficiency resolves.
During treatment, prevention to exposure to sunlight is very important.
There can be dramatic change and healing after a few days of treatment for niacin deficiency.
With the treatment dermatitis slowly disappears, the gastrointestinal inflammation goes and the patient will be able to eat.
The neurological disorders slowly disappear and the patient becomes normal.
As the pellagra afflicted person will be malnourished, he should be given easily digestible protein rich, well followed by multivitamin supplement.
Though the primary pellagra responds well to treatment the secondary pellagra disease is harder because of the causes for its occurrence.

Prevention of pellagra disease

In the maize eating population relying on maize only as staple food has to be discouraged and addition of other cereals has to be encouraged for prevention of pellagra disease, affecting populations as a whole.
An inducement and requirement to fortify milled maize flour with niacin must be emphasised and regulated for prevention of pellagra.
For the prevention of nutritional deficiency caused diseases, it is very important to have diversity in the food consumed.
Food from animal sources like milk, egg, meat and fish is rich in vitamin B complex and tryptophan and this resource is to be included in daily consumption for prevention of deficiency.
Niacin rich plant food like nuts especially groundnuts must be included in diet for prevention deficiency and pellagra.
Prisoners, refugees and famine affected may not have and protein rich food and they are to be given nicotinamide supplements for prevention of pellagra disease.
Education on nutrition must be emphasised to spread awareness among people for prevention of Pellagra disease.
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Rickets disease - Treatment and cure

Home > Rickets disease - Treatment and cure

Rickets disease treatment and cure involves ultraviolet B light (sunlight) exposure, nutritious food containing vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus and cholecalciferol supplements.
Rickets disease treatment and cure can be complete if it is started early during the growing age of the child.
The skeletal deformities usually improve and may disappear.
If the treatment is delayed the deformities and the short stature may become permanent requiring surgical intervention.
Treatment is done to relieve the symptoms of rickets disease and eliminate the causes of the rickets.
Replacement of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus will relieve most of the signs and cure rickets.

Rickets disease treatment and cure in infants

The lactating mother of the affected infant is immediately put on cholecalciferol and mineral supplements and if necessary given vitamin D injections for treatment and cure of rickets disease.
A diet rich in vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus is given to the mother.
She is encouraged to spend about 30 minutes in the sunlight.
The infant is also exposed to ultraviolet B light (sunlight).
Supplements are also given to the infant.

Rickets disease treatment and cure with good nutrition

Diet rich in calcium, phosphorus and cholecalciferol like fish, fortified milk, liver, fish liver oils given; eggs and fortified flour are included in daily menu for cure.

Rickets cure with sunlight

The affected child is encouraged to go out in the sun for about 30 minutes for the skin to produce vitamin D.
The affected children are encouraged to play in the sunlight for a short time.

Rickets treatment with supplements

Cholecalciferol supplements are given to boost its availability for calcium absorption from the intestine and its utilisation in the body.
Depending on the condition of the patient single dose of cholecalciferol is split into 5 oral doses and given. Alternatively cholecalciferol is given gradually for about 3 months till the symptoms are resolved.
The vitamin D is stored in the body and utilised slowly.
Intramuscular injections are also given nowadays to resolve rickets early and get total cure.

Treatment and cure for the rickets deformities

Braces and other orthopedic aids are used to help in the correction of deformities and gait in children.
If necessary corrective surgery is done to remove the deformity caused by rickets disease.

National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for rickets disease prevention

National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have recommended a supplement of 200 IU per day of vitamin D for all breastfed infants till they are weaned to at least 500 ml per day of fortified milk or fortified formula feed.
For those non breastfed infants who are ingesting less than 500 ml per day of fortified milk or fortified formula feed, again a vitamin D supplement of 200 IU per day is recommended.
Children and adolescents who do not get regular sunlight exposure, do not ingest at least 500 mL per day of vitamin D-fortified milk, or do not take a daily multivitamin supplement containing at least 200 IU of vitamin D are recommended to take 200 IU of vitamin D supplement daily.

Prognosis

The situation usually improves within 10 days from the start of the treatment for rickets disease and deformities may take longer time to correct.

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Scurvy treatment - Prevent scurvy

Home > Scurvy treatment and prevention

The scurvy treatment is simple and easy and in about a month of treatment complete recovery can be achieved. Our present food habits are to be evaluated and corrected to prevent scurvy.

Scurvy treatment

Treatment of scurvy involves intake of vitamin C rich citrus fruits, vegetables and vitamin C supplements. The medication regime for scurvy affected person is usually as follows.
  • The treatment involves intake of vitamin C at the rate of 100 mg 5-6 times daily for about 8-10 days followed by reducing the dosage gradually to 100 mg daily till all symptoms resolve.
  • Alternatively one gram of ascorbic acid per day is given in split doses for about 4-5 days followed by 400-500 mg/day in split doses for 7 days. Then the dose is reduced gradually to 100 mg per day.
  • For infants 50 mg/day of ascorbic acid must be given till complete recovery.
  • The doses have to be divided and restricted to 100 mg at one time as absorption in the intestine is limited.
  • Patients with gastrointestinal malabsorption problems may require administration of supplements through parenteral route.
  • The patient must be given fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C during and after the course of treatment to avoid recurrence.
  • If neglected  this disease is usually fatal.

The scurvy treatment responses

  • *If detected early and proper action taken, recovery is complete and is usually successful.
  • *The response and recovery from scurvy is usually very fast.
  • *The hemorrhage of the gums and mucous membranes stops usually within 24 hours from the first step taken.
  • *The bleeding into skin stops in about 48 hours and resolving of livid spots occurs in two weeks.
  • *The muscle pain and bone pain goes away in two weeks.
  • *Most of the symptoms of scurvy go away in a month time and recovery is total in most of the cases.
kakadu plum
Richest source of vitamin C - Kakadu plum (enlarge)

>Prevent scurvy

  • *To prevent the chances for developing scurvy we have to eat healthy and balanced food.
  • *In order to prevent the disease our diet must contain sufficient amounts of fruits, especially citrus fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamin C.
  • *Light, heat and air destroy the ascorbic acid and to minimize loss we should consume fresh food; we should not over-cook the food.
  • *Wherever and whenever it is possible we should consume raw vegetables and fruits to prevent the disease.
  • *Pregnant women require more supplies of vitamin c and sufficient supplements must be taken to prevent the development of this disease.
  • *The requirement of vitamin C in infants is comparatively high and the nursing mother should take proper food and supplements to prevent it in infants.
  • *Infants who are not breast-feeding and relying on cow milk run the risk of developing the deficiency as cow milk is poor in ascorbic acid and pasteurization destroys it. Hence supplements must be given to prevent scurvy.
  • Proper balanced nutrition containing sufficient vitamin C prevents scurvy and is the treatment.
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Seasonal affective disorder treatment

Home > Seasonal affective disorder - treatment

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder is in restoring the normal brain biochemical reactions of the affected individual.
Seasonal affective disorder is somatopsychic condition wherein physical factors like change in brain chemistry and psychological stressful conditions due to short days contribute to melancholy and winter depression.
The procedure is to make the affected person to understand disorder and face it with positive and cheerful attitude.
Treatment of this disorder involves efforts to increase the serotonin levels and decrease the melatonin production.
There are a number of devices for daylight simulation, dawn simulation and ionisation of air available.
Antidepressant medicines are available for of winter depression and disorder, which help by increasing the production of serotonin and for decreasing the production of melatonin.
In extreme cases psychiatric treatment is advised as suicidal tendencies may arise due seasonal affective disorder.

Devices for seasonal affective disorder treatment:

Bright light for winter depression

The benefits of bright light in the treatment of winter depression has been proved in actual conditions and it is in vogue for several years.
There is drastic improvement in the seasonal affective disorder condition within a week on treatment.
However this must be continued throughout the winter depression season, as the condition reappears with the stopping of the medication.
For this lightbox is used. Various brands are available in the market and it is better to take the advice of physician in the selection of the right light box and treatment schedule for winter depression.
The light used for treatment must be preferably full spectrum light or white light and blue light also can be used. Ultra-violet ray filter must be used during exposure.
The light from tanning beds must never be used for the treatment, as it contains harmful UV rays.
Light doses of 2000-10000 lux can be used and the sitting sessions must be between 30-60 minutes.
The patient affected by winter depression is made to sit facing the light but direct gazing at the light must be avoided. It is always preferable to undergo the treatment for seasonal affective disorder in the morning.
Rare side effects like headache, eye strain and insomnia may be experienced during the winter depression treatment.

Dawn simulation has been found to be effective in tackling seasonal affective disorder

Irrespective of the shortening of the day the dawn simulator is used to light up at particular time.
It has controls for switching on the light at particular time and also has devices to increases the intensity of light, simulating dawn.
Bright light exposure must be continued throughout the winter depression season to avoid relapse of symptoms of withdrawal. Good results are achieved on continued use.

Negative air ionizing systems can be effectively used for seasonal affective disorder

This device releases negatively charged particles into the air.
If the negative ions are in sufficient density there is relief from the ailment and the energy levels of the affected person is improved.

Use of antidepressant medicines for seasonal affective disorder

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like paroxetine, venlafaxine, sertraline or fluoxetine are prescribed for the relief from the disorder.
These antidepressants for the disorder must be used under the prescription of the medical doctor and in the right dosage prescribed by him.
There will be appreciable results in a week or two in these clinic visits. The treatment for the disorder must carry on for the winter depression season.
The administration of melatonin at correct times has been found to cure seasonal affective disorder.

Psychotherapy for the seasonal affective disorder affected

Persons affected severely require to be counselled by a psychiatrist as they may become violent, maniac and develop suicidal tendencies.
The moods and mental attitudes of winter depression patient must be pepped up with regular counselling and advice.
Depending upon the condition of the depression patient two or more methods can be used under medical supervision.
In some cases skin illumination has been found to be effective for of seasonal affective disorder and this requires further research.
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