Seasonal affective disorder
- Bright-light therapy is first-line for winter pattern
- Standard antidepressants also work
- Bupropion XL can prevent recurrent seasonal episodes
- Start prevention before usual onset when pattern is clear
- Dawn simulation/CBT-SAD are alternatives
- Screen for bipolarity before antidepressant-only treatment
Use at a glance
- Bright-light therapy is first-line for winter pattern
Choosing treatment
- Start prevention before usual onset when pattern is clear
- Screen for bipolarity before antidepressant-only treatment
Practical pearls
- Standard antidepressants also work
Other practical pearls
- Bupropion XL can prevent recurrent seasonal episodes
- Dawn simulation/CBT-SAD are alternatives
Self-check
- When should seasonal depression prevention start if the pattern is clear?
Before the usual onset. - What is first-line for winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder?
Bright-light therapy.
Drugs used for this (1)
All clinical uses · Open Seasonal affective disorder in the interactive console ↗