Bright Lights, Dark Months: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have the shorter, darker days of fall and winter, perhaps spring and summer, too, ever left you feeling sluggish, down, or simply "blah"? On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we are discussing seasonal affective disorder, commonly referred to as SAD. Craig Sawchuk, PhD, LP, a clinical psychologist at Mayo Clinic who focuses on the delivery of mental health care in primary care settings, joins the podcast to explain that SAD is not a standalone diagnosis but a subtype specifier of a recurrent mood disorder, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.

He also details how the seasonal pattern often presents as "hibernation syndrome," including atypical symptoms like energy loss, hypersomnia, and increased carbohydrate cravings; explores the characteristics that increase vulnerability to SAD, such as living at a higher latitude; and covers the effective and unique evidence-based treatment for SAD: bright light therapy, which involves using a 10,000 Lux light box for 15 to 20 minutes daily.

To learn more about SAD, please click here.

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