Treatment of seasonal affective disorder

Abstract

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), winter type, is characterized by the regular annual onset of major depressive episodes during fall or winter, followed by spontaneous remission and sometimes hypomanic or manic episodes during spring and summer. SAD is clinically important, since approximately 2–5% of the general population in temperate climates are affected. Since the first description of the syndrome, researchers have made attempts to elucidate the pathophysiological background of SAD. Bright light therapy has been proposed as the treatment of choice for this disorder. However, numerous studies have also investigated suitable psychopharmacological treatments for SAD. This report is aimed to provide an overview on the clinical management and current therapeutic options for SAD.

Keywords::

• antidepressants
• bright light therapy
• depression
• seasonal affective disorder