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Seasonal affective disorder - Treatment

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

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

Forms of depression

Reviewed last on: 1/15/2009
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.

References

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.

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