How is it treated?

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

SAD patients often recognize the seasonal pattern of their impairment and seek preventative as well as therapeutic treatment. Although antidepressant medications, commonly used for treating other forms of depression, have been used with some success in treating SAD, phototherapy is most effective for both treatment and prevention.

Because the syndrome's symptoms are brought on by decreased daylight, increasing one's exposure to high-intensity light and light in general alleviates many symptoms. Other ways to increase light exposure include painting walls a bright color, opening window coverings, vacationing in a sunny climate, and exercising outdoors on bright winter days.

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