What are the treatment options for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?
Light Therapy
Research studies have shown that light therapy can greatly improve symptoms in about 2 in 3 cases of SAD. This is often the first treatment tried. However, this treatment takes time and commitment. See below for details.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medicines are commonly prescribed for all types of depression, including SAD. They work well to relieve symptoms in about 7 in 10 cases.
Antidepressants do not usually work straight away. It takes 2-4 weeks before their effect builds up fully. A common problem is that some people stop the medicine after a week or so as they feel that it is doing no good. You need to give it time. It is best to persevere if you are prescribed an antidepressant medicine.
There are several types of antidepressants, each with various 'pros and cons'. For example, they differ in their possible side-effects. (The leaflet that comes in the medicine packet provides a full list of possible side-effects.) However, it is thought that 'SSRI' antidepressants are better for treating SAD than other types of antidepressants. SSRI stands for 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor'. They work partly by increasing the level of the brain chemical called serotonin which may be low in people with SAD.
Other treatments
Talking treatments such as cognitive therapy (if available in your area) is another option which can work well to treat depression. Regular exercise (particularly if done outdoors in the daytime) may also help to ease symptoms.
Some people are treated with a combination of treatments if one treatment alone does not work well. For example, a light box plus an antidepressant.
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