What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
8. Treatment
One of the first-line treatments for fall-onset SAD is phototherapy. Since symptoms are associated with waning daylight, phototherapy involves daily exposure to artificial light. The theory is that this helps to maintain normal levels of brain chemicals and keep the biological clock running regularly. Phototherapy uses a light box or lamp that simulates the intensity of natural sunlight but with the harmful ultraviolet radiation filtered out.
Phototherapy is effective for 85% of patients with fall-onset SAD.3https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad} Treatment options for people not helped include antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.2https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder CBT teaches you how to manage stress, change negative thoughts, and cope with your condition in healthy ways.
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