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Seasonal affective disorder

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Forms of depression
Forms of depression

Definition    Return to top

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs in relation to the seasons, most commonly beginning in winter.

Causes    Return to top

The disorder may begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more frequently in women than in men. Most people with the "winter blahs" or "cabin fever" do not have SAD.

The cause of SAD is not known, but it is thought to be related to numerous factors, including:

A rare form occurs in the summer.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A visit to your health care provider will look for other causes of the symptoms and confirm the diagnosis. A psychological evaluation may be needed for more severe depression.

See also: Depression

Treatment    Return to top

As with other types of depression, antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be effective. Light therapy using a special lamp to mimic light from the sun may also be helpful.

Symptoms commonly get better on their own with the change of seasons.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome is good with continuous treatment, although some people have the disorder throughout their lives.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Seasonal affective disorder can sometimes progress to a major depressive syndrome.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

Prevention    Return to top

Individuals who have had recurrent seasonal depression should speak with a mental health care professional to explore treatments.

References    Return to top

Lurie Sj, Gawinski B, Pierce D, Rousseau SJ. Seasonal affective disorder. American Family Physician. 2006;74:1521-1524.

Agerter DC, Rasmussen NH, Sutor B. Depression. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 58.

Update Date: 1/15/2009

Updated by: Christos Ballas, MD, Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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