Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

87 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a recurrent major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern usually beginning in fall and continuing into winter months. A subsyndromal type of SAD, or S-SAD, is commonly known as "winter blues." Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer. Symptoms center on sad mood and low energy. Those most at risk are female, are younger, live far from the equator, and have family histories of depression, bipolar disorder, or SAD. Screening instruments include the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). Typical treatment includes antidepressant medications, light therapy, Vitamin D, and counselling. This paper provides an overview of SAD.

Original languageEnglish
Article number178564
JournalDepression Research and Treatment
Volume2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this