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What is seasonal depression?

As the seasons change and the days get shorter, some people may develop symptoms of depression. Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a form of depression that occurs based on seasonal changes in sunlight. Symptoms include increased sadness, feeling anxious, feeling sluggish, irritability, changes in appetite, and sleeping for long periods of time. These symptoms can be severe enough to affect quality of life.

Is treatment available for seasonal depression?

Several types of treatment are available for SAD. One common treatment involves the use of artificial light to simulate sunlight. This treatment is called Bright Light Therapy (BLT). In BLT, people with SAD sit directly in front of a light box every day. The amount of time a person needs to spend by a light box varies greatly among individuals and changes as the seasons progress. Some people need as little as 40 minutes of exposure daily; others require several hours of exposure, combined with psychotherapy and medications. Because there are many causes of depression, it is important to consult with a health care provider or mental health professional before seeking treatment.

To read more about this topic and related ones from the National Mental Health Information Center, please click here: http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/december2003/sad/default.asp