Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Options: Natural Daylight, Light Therapy and Medication

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression usually associated with the short days and long nights of winter. A less common form of seasonal affective disorder occurs during the summer months. Both types of SAD are due to an imbalance of brain chemicals (melatonin and serotonin) that leads to sleep and mood changes during part of the year. In winter seasonal affective disorder, the imbalance occurs due to too little sunlight. In summer seasonal affective disorder, it is a result of too much sunlight.

Treatment options are available to help ease the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and get the affected person back to enjoying the season.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Options: Natural Daylight
For mild cases of winter seasonal affective disorder, spending time outside may be enough to eliminate symptoms. Natural daylight will reduce symptoms in more severe cases of SAD. Seasonal affective disorder sufferers should try to spend one to two hours outside, even on cold or cloudy days. While any time outdoors will help, people with winter seasonal affective disorder will benefit the most if they go outside within two hours after getting up. A study conducted in Switzerland showed seasonal affective disorder sufferers who took a one-hour morning walk outdoors faired better than those who used low-dose (2,800 lux) light therapy.

Make indoor rooms bright and sunny by pulling shades all the way up and opening blinds and curtains fully. Arrange furniture to put desks and favorite chairs close to sunny windows. On gray days, turn on lights to brighten the room. Use full spectrum light bulbs, which simulate natural daylight, in lamps and ceiling fixtures.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Options: Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
More severe cases of seasonal affective disorder are generally treated with light therapy. During light therapy, the SAD patient sits in front of a specially designed box or lamp containing very bright lights that simulate natural sunlight. Scientists are not sure how light therapy works, but it is felt illuminating the photoreceptors in the lower half of the retina helps signal the brain to reduce production of melatonin and increase production of serotonin.

While seasonal affective disorder lamps, light boxes, and visors (for those who need greater mobility) are available online and in stores, it is recommended to only use them under the supervision of a physician. The light intensity, as well as the duration of the exposure to the light, differs with each individual. Some people will require lower light doses (2,500 lux) for about an hour, while others will need a higher intensity (up to 10,000 lux) for 20 to 30 minutes. In addition, the most effective time of day for the treatment will vary based on each individual's internal body clock (morning person versus night person).

Light therapy has a low risk of side effects, though some individuals may experience headache, eyestrain, irritability, nausea, or insomnia. These side effects may go away as the body begins to respond to the light therapy. If they do not subside, the intensity of the light or the duration of the treatment may need to be adjusted. People with Bipolar disorder may need medication to prevent a manic episode while using light therapy.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Options: Medication
While 50% and 80% of people with winter seasonal affective disorder respond to light therapy, some individuals may need medication to ease their symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) help regulate serotonin levels and ease depression. Commonly prescribed medications in this group include Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac. Other antidepressants and mood stabilizers, such as Wellbutrin or Lithium, may be prescribed.

Medication is often the only way to treat summer seasonal affective disorder.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Lifestyle and home remedies
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Treatments and drugs

Northern County Psychiatric Associates:
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Winter Depression

KidsHealth.org:
How Is SAD Diagnosed and Treated?

National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Seasonal Affective Disorder