Seasonal affective disorder, winter type: current insights and treatment options

• Published in: Psychology Research and Behavior Management Vol. 9; pp. 317 - 327
• Main Authors: Meesters, Ybe, Gordijn, Marijke Cm
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: New Zealand Dove Medical Press Limited 01.01.2016; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Dove Medical Press
• Subjects: Anxiety; Biological clocks; Care and treatment; Circadian rhythm; Cognitive therapy; Depression (Mood disorder); Development and progression; Diagnosis; Emotions; Etiology; Etiology (Medicine); Forecasts and trends; Hypotheses; Light; Light therapy; light treatment; medication; Melatonin; Mental depression; prevention; Preventive medicine; Psychiatry; Psychotherapy; Recurrence (Disease); Review; Seasonal Affective Disorder; Winter; New York; Netherlands; North America; Europe; medication; psychotherapy; light treatment; review; prevention; seasonal affective disorder
• ISSN: 1179-1578; 1179-1578
• DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s114906

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), winter type, is a seasonal pattern of recurrent major depressive episodes most commonly occurring in autumn or winter and remitting in spring/summer. The syndrome has been well-known for more than three decades, with light treatment being the treatment of first choice. In this paper, an overview is presented of the present insights in SAD. Description of the syndrome, etiology, and treatment options are mentioned. Apart from light treatment, medication and psychotherapy are other treatment options. The predictable, repetitive nature of the syndrome makes it possible to discuss preventive treatment options. Furthermore, critical views on the concept of SAD as a distinct diagnosis are discussed.