Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that commonly occurs during the winter months (although it may also develop during the summer). SAD often causes symptoms of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, loss of energy, and sleep and appetite changes that interfere with usual functioning. Treatments such as light therapy, antidepressant medication and psychotherapy are effective in helping to treat or prevent the onset and recurrence of SAD.
Bright Light Therapy
According to the results of a review published in a 2005 issue of "The American Journal of Psychiatry," bright light therapy is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Light therapy works on the body's circadian rhythms, resetting the normal sleeping and waking pattern that can be disrupted in some people as the seasons change. Bright light therapy typically involves the consistent, daily use of an over-the-counter light box that administers fluorescent, incandescent or LED light (ultra-violet or full-spectrum light, or other lamps not specifically intended for SAD treatment, should be avoided), according to the Mayo Clinic. Consult with your doctor before beginning any light therapy regimen to determine the type and duration of light therapy that is appropriate for you.
Dawn Simulation and Negative Air Ionization
A study published in the December 2006 issue of "The American Journal of Psychiatry" examined the effectiveness of dawn simulation and negative air ionization as a convenient, naturalistic treatment alternative for SAD. An apparatus placed by the bed simulates the onset of dawn by automatically transmitting pulses of light and adjusting the ionization of the air in the moments prior to waking. Results from the study indicate that, compared to 57 percent of those receiving bright light therapy, 50 percent of those who received dawn simulation and 48 percent of those who received high-flow rate negative air ionization demonstrated significant improvement. Individuals in the low-flow rate ionization and sunrise pulse groups (who received a bright-light transmission after waking) did not improve significantly and, in some cases, experienced an exacerbation of symptoms. The authors conclude that, while bright-light therapy remains the first-line treatment approach to SAD, dawn simulation and high-flow rate negative air ionization are alternatives.
Antidepressants
Prescription antidepressants may be effective in treating or preventing the symptoms of SAD. A research study in the October 15, 2005, issue of "Biological Psychiatry" finds that recurrent seasonal affective disorder episodes may be prevented by beginning treatment with the extended-release version of the antidepressant bupropion in the early autumn when they are still feeling well. According to the Mayo Clinic, other antidepressants including paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine and venlafaxine also commonly treat the symptoms of SAD once they appear.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Combination Treatment
An article published in the September 2009 issue of "Behavior Therapy" summarizes the long-term effects of a research study comparing the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus light therapy versus combined CBT and light therapy. The authors found that the CBT and combination groups experienced significantly less recurrences of depressive symptoms one year after treatment than did the light therapy group. Although future studies are needed to determine whether these results are replicated, the findings suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy and combination light and CBT treatment may be a more effective long-term strategy to managing symptoms of SAD.
References
- "Behavior Therapy"; Winter depression recurrence one year after cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, or combination treatment; Rohan KJ et al.; September 2009
- "The American Journal of Psychiatry"; Controlled trial of naturalistic dawn simulation and negative air ionization for seasonal affective disorder; M Terman and JS Terman; December 2006
- "The American Journal of Psychiatry"; The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders: A review and meta-analysis of the evidence; Golden RN et al.; 2005
