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Bilirubin Low Bilirubin Levels Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) "People
suffering from SAD have lower nighttime levels of bilirubin in their blood,
writes lead author Dan A. Oren, MD, associate professor of psychiatry at Yale
University School of Medicine. His study appears in the current Society of
Biological Psychiatry journal" WebMD: Hunting the Cause of Winter Depression Increasing Bilirubin Levels Light Box Daily Light Therapy "During the mornings, patients had a course of
'light box daily light therapy,' a standard treatment for SAD that consists
of one hour under a bright light…At the end of two weeks, the treated
patients had significantly higher bilirubin levels than before
treatment…The treated patients also showed fewer depressive symptoms than
before." WebMD: Hunting the Cause of Winter Depression "Bilirubin is known to have a circadian rhythm;
levels gradually increase in the blood during the night and decrease during
the day." WebMD: Hunting the Cause of Winter Depression Elevated Bilirubin Levels Symptoms "When your
bilirubin is increased, it usually means that there is a problem in your
liver or your red blood cells are being destroyed too quickly. When bilirubin
is greatly elevated, then a person may appear jaundiced (yellow)
in their skin and in the whites of their eyes (sclerae)." Common Causes
WebMD: Bilirubin Test Overview Common Causes: Gilbert's Syndrome Note: Gilbert's syndrome is also referred to
as Gilbert syndrome. "Gilbert's Syndrome is a benign condition." Common Causes: Gilbert's Syndrome: Symptoms "The syndrome is characterized by intermittent jaundice
in the absence of hemolysis [increased red cell destruction] or
underlying liver disease. The hyperbilirubinemia is mild and, by definition,
less than 6 mg/dL. However, most patients exhibit levels of less than 3
mg/dL. Considerable daily and seasonal variations are observed, and bilirubin
levels occasionally may be normal in as many as one third of
patients." Common Causes: Gilbert's Syndrome: Causes "Gilbert syndrome may be precipitated by dehydration,
fasting, menstrual periods, or stress, such as an intercurrent
illness or vigorous exercise. Patients may complain of vague
abdominal discomfort and general fatigue for which no cause is
found. These episodes resolve spontaneously, and no treatment is required
except for supportive care." Effects of Bilirubin "Bilirubin is the most abundant known circulating
antioxidant and may protect neurological pathways that regulate moods,
he says…His future studies will help determine whether low bilirubin causes
SAD, whether it contributes to the vulnerability to depression, or if it is a
marker for the disorder." WebMD: Hunting the Cause of Winter Depression |