Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a person feels depressed at a certain time each year. It most often occurs during the fall and winter months when days are shorter and there is less light. Treatment includes light therapy, counseling, and antidepressant medicines.

Current as of: May 12, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alfred J. Lewy, MD, PhD - Psychiatry