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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a person feels depressed at a certain time each year. Most people experience SAD during the fall and winter months when days are shorter and there is less light.

The cause of SAD is not clearly known. It may be related to changes in the amount and intensity of sunlight in the different seasons. Seasonal affective disorder is sometimes called "the winter blues."

Treatment of SAD includes light therapy and, if necessary, medications.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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