It is not uncommon for people to experience seasonal fluctuation in moods.

Sunlight entering through the eyes influences this rhythm.

Light entering the eyes at dawn shuts off the production of melatonin.

Diagnosis

There is no laboratory test for SAD.

The DSM-5 does not consider SAD to be a separate disorder.

Instead, it is a specifier of a major depressive episode diagnosis.

At least five of the symptoms listed below must be present most of the time during a two-week period.

Further, at least one of the person’s symptoms must be one of the first two items listed.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The most commonly used treatments for SAD include light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy.

Drugs should be brought in as adjuvants only if light therapy is insufficient.

The third group received a placebo treatment.

The participants who were exposed to the morning bright light treatments experienced full or near-full relief from depression.

Treatment began in the September through November timeframe, prior to the onset of symptoms.

Treatment ended the first week of spring.

Wellbutrin XL is chemically unrelated to other common antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

CBT involves identifying negative thought patterns that contribute to symptoms and then replacing these thoughts with more positive ones.

Coping

Healthy habits and lifestyle choices can also help reduce SAD symptoms.

However, research on effectiveness has been mixed.

Among the quizzes available are the AutoPIDS and AutoMEQ.

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