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.
The outcome is good with continuous treatment, although some people have the disorder throughout their lives.
Seasonal affective disorder can sometimes progress to a major depressive syndrome.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
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.