Highlights & Basics
- Seasonal affective disorder is not considered to be a unique diagnostic entity in itself, but rather a subtype specifier used to describe temporal variations in recurrent major depressive or bipolar disorders over at least a 2-year period.
- Most commonly presents with onset of depression in the fall or winter, and full remission of symptoms in the spring or summer.
- Atypical vegetative symptoms of depression are common, such as hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and weight gain.
- Assessment is based on self-report, clinical interview, and behavioral observation.
- Light therapy, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are considered the initial treatment options. Light therapy may be used in combination with pharmacotherapy.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Depression in adults: treatment and management. Jun 2022 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Lam RW, Kennedy SH, Parikh SV, et al. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 clinical guidelines for the management of adults with major depressive disorder. Can J Psychiatry. 2016 Sep;61(9):506-9.[Abstract]
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