MOOD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal depression in autumn and winter affects mood, energy and sleep, and responds well to light therapy and CBT.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) involves recurrent depressive episodes that emerge in autumn/winter and remit in spring. It is linked to reduced light exposure and its effect on serotonin and melatonin. Light therapy, CBT and activity are all effective treatments.
Do you recognise this?
✓Low mood appearing each autumn/winter
✓Increased sleep and fatigue
✓Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
✓Social withdrawal in winter months
✓Difficulty concentrating
✓Low energy and motivation
Effective treatments
These approaches are commonly recommended for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Frequently asked questions
Is a SAD lamp enough?
A light therapy lamp helps significantly for many people. For moderate to severe SAD, combining it with CBT produces better outcomes.
Find the right psychologist for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Match with a specialist who has experience with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and start within days.