Current perspectives on the management of seasonal affective disorder.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To concisely review the etiology and current treatment modalities of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search (1966-1999) was performed using the search term "seasonal affective disorder." The search was subsequently focused to "drug therapy" with limits of human studies and English-language papers. The search term "light therapy" was combined with "seasonal affective disorder."

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Articles discussing the epidemiology and treatment of SAD were independently examined by each author. Additional literature was reviewed from selected references identified by the original articles.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

SAD most likely results from a deficiency in serotonin. Light therapy remains the therapeutic intervention with the most experience and success. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have also shown benefit in treating the disorder.

CONCLUSION:

SAD is an important subtype of major depressive disorder. Clinicians should remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of the illness. Successful treatment may include light therapy or antidepressants, particularly SSRIs.

• Authors: T L Jepson, M E Ernst, M W Kelly
• Journal: Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Washington, D.C. : 1996) (J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash)) 1999 Nov-Dec Vol. 39 Issue 6 Pg. 822-9; quiz 880-2 ISSN: 1086-5802 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10609448 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents
• Serotonin
• Melatonin

Topics

• Antidepressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Circadian Rhythm
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Humans
• Melatonin (metabolism)
• Phototherapy
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology, therapy)
• Serotonin (metabolism)