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Seasonal affective disorder

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

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

Symptoms commonly resolve 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.

• Review Date: 11/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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