Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, sometimes referred to as SAD or winter depression, is a clinical form of depression that usually happens to a person the same time every year. People often experience this form of depression in the fall and winter months, when the days are shorter and pressures of the holidays mount. But while SAD is more common in winter, there are patients who experience it in the spring and summer. Doctors, usually psychologists and psychiatrists, can evaluate a patient to diagnose SAD based on standards established by the American Psychiatry Association. Other medical issues including under active thyroid, chronic viral infections and substance abuse must be ruled out before a SAD diagnosis is made. The three most common treatments for SAD are light therapy, antidepressants and lifestyle adjustments. Read on to learn more about these treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 10 )   Add a Question

  1. Do both men and women experience seasonal affective disorder?
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    Yes, both men an women can experience SAD, but seasonal affective disorder is most common in women. This is also the case with other forms of depression.

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  2. What is the most common age group who experience SAD?
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    People who are between 15 an 55 are the most common age group that experience SAD. Again, this mirrors the age group most vulnerable to suffering from other forms of depression.

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  3. What is light therapy and how does it work to help seasonal affective disorder?
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    Light therapy is proven to be the most effective treatment for SAD. Light therapy is sometimes referred to as photo therapy and is available in many different forms including light boxes, lamps and visors all with one purpose in mind -- to generate full spectrum light to the patient's eyes.

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  4. Is light therapy a safe procedure for seasonal affective disorder and does it work?
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    Yes, if attempts are made to safeguard against ultraviolet rays, light therapy is safe and effective. Some minor side effects such as headache, eye strain and fatigue or insomnia may be experienced. Light therapy has helped many people feel better.

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  5. What medication will the doctor prescribe for SAD?
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    A doctor may prescribe light therapy alone or with antidepressants. Since SAD is a form of depression, the antidepressant, Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed as are Paxil and Prozac.

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  6. What if light therapy and antidepressants aren't successful for treating SAD?
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    There are some extreme cases when light therapy and antidepressants are not enough to help someone with SAD. If a patient is suicidal or psychotic, doctors may prescribe electroconvulsive therapy where finely controlled electrical charges are used to cause a short seizure in the brain relieving the depression.

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  7. What lifestyle changes can a patient incorporate into their routine to reduce seasonal affective disorder?
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    There are some simple steps those experiencing SAD can take to feel better and reduce symptoms including increasing the natural light in the home, painting interior walls light colors and keeping warm and active in the winter months when the days are shorter.

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  8. Does exercising regularly help reduce seasonal affective disorder symptoms?
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    Yes, staying active and exercising regularly especially outside in the daylight hours when the sun is shining will help those with SAD.

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  9. What are some other symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?
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    Other symptoms of SAD are sleeping more than usual, an increased appetite, inability to focus, experiencing less energy and unable to think clearly.

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  10. Could seasonal affective disorder effect a person's job performance or even relationships?
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    Yes, since the symptoms are clinical and cause mood changes, focus issues and sleeping disorders, SAD could effect job performance and relationships. If a person feels they may be experiencing SAD, they should consult a physician and start a treatment plan, sooner than later.

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