ST JOHNS WORT:

TREATMENT OF SEASONAL
AFFECTIVE DISORDER
BERNADETTE QUINN
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Psychiatric disorder typically associated with the
environmental factors of the onset of winter and long
periods of reduced light (Whitehead, 2004).

Symptoms
Lowered Mood
Fatigue/Decreased Energy
Insomnia
Weight Gain/Increased Carbohydrate Cravings
(Whitehead, 2004)
The use of herbs to strengthen the
body and treat diseases, like
Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a
time-honored health and wellness
approach (University of Maryland, 2014).


Saint Johns Wort is one of the most commonly used herbal
remedy for the treatment and management of Seasonal Affective
Disorder in the United States (University of Maryland, 2014).

The history of medical usage dates back to ancient Greece
(University of Maryland, 2014)
St Johns Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)

This wild herb is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow
flowers that have oval, elongated petals (University of Maryland, 2014).



Active Components in St Johns Wort
Pseudohypericin
Hypericin
Hyperforin
Flavonoids
(University of Maryland, 2014)
Benefits of using St Johns Wort to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Reduces mild-to-moderate depression symptoms by
increasing the bodys serotonin, dopamine and
norepinephrine levels
Fewer potential side effects than standard antidepressants
Provides additional health benefits
Antibacterial properties
Antiviral properties
Anti-inflammatory properties
(University of Maryland, 2014)
Recommended Dosage: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
For adult patients over 18 years of age
900 milligrams by mouth-one to three times a day
(Mayo Clinic, 2013)

Extensive research supports the safe use of St.
Johns wort for a short duration (less than three
months) at this recommended dose in individuals
who were not taking any other medications (Mayo Clinic,
2013)


Available Forms
Capsules
Tablets
Tinctures
Teas
Oil-based skin lotions
Powders
(University of Maryland, 2014)
It is extremely important to seek the advise of your
health care provider before beginning treatment with
this and any other herbal remedies because they can
potentially cause severe medical problems; it is also
important to tell them about all herbal products,
vitamins and nutritional supplements you are
consuming (NCCAM, 2013)
WARNINGS
St. Johns wort is NOT to be used for the
treatment of severe depression
St. Johns wort should NOT be combined
with other serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) because it can cause a serious
health condition called serotonin syndrome
(NCCAM, 2013)
Adverse Side Effects
**Potential adverse side effects include:
Increased sensitivity to sunlight
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Gastrointestional symptoms
Sexual dysfunction
Increased anxiety
(University of Maryland, 2014)

Drug Interactions
St. Johns Wort is known to interact with many medications including:

Antidepressants
Birth Control Pills
Medications to prevent rejection of transplanted organs (Cyclosporine)
Heart Medications (Digoxin)
Seizure-control Medications (Phenytoin & Phenobarbital)
Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
Cancer Medications (Irinotecan)
HIV Medications (Indinavir)
(University of Maryland, 2014)
Finding Credible Information on the Internet
Many people are relying on internet based sources to obtain information regarding the usage of herbal
remedies like St. Johns Wort. When researching topics, such as the use of herbal remedies, be sure to
use only credible resources. By using the links provided below, you can ensure that the information
provided is up-to-date, peer-reviewed and reliable.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Link: http://nccam.nih.gov/
Herbs at a Glance: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm

The National Medicines Comprehensive Database
Link: http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/home.aspx?cs=&s=ND



Reference

Mayo Clinic. (2013, November 1). St. Johns wort (hypericum perforatum). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/st-johns-wort/background/hrb-20060053?p=1

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2013, September). St. Johns wort and
depression. Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htm

University of Maryland Medical Center. (2014). St. Johns wort. Retrieved from
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/st-johns-wort

Whitehead, B. (2004, November 8). Winter seasonal affective disorder: A global, biocultural perspective.
Retrieved from http://anthropology.ua.edu/bindon/ant570/Papers/Whitehead.pdf