Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a major form of depression that occurs around the same time each year. Doctors have identified two types of Seasonal affective disorder. Winter depression, the most common, usually begins in the late fall to early winter months and ends in spring. Seasonal affective disorder can also occur in the summer but this is less common. Research indicates that 4 to 6 percent of the general population experience some type of seasonal affective disorder. Women are 4 times more likely than men to get seasonal affective disorder. Experts believe that depression associated with seasonal affective disorder is somehow triggered by the brain's response to decreased daylight exposure. Light therapy is now considered the first-line treatment intervention, and if properly dosed can produce relief within days. Antidepressants may also help, and if necessary can be used in conjunction with light.