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Prognosis for Seasonal Affective Disorder

According to Mayo Clinic, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression triggered by shorter days and longer nights. This form of depression can inhibit the sufferer's ability to cope with the demands of day-to-day life, but the symptoms usually disappear with a new change in season.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of SAD are mild to start, becoming progressively worse through the season, and include feelings of sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, anxiety, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, weight gain and loss of interest in activities.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for SAD may involve medication and vitamins, light therapy, and psychotherapy, according to both the Mayo Clinic and the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Prevention

    • There is no known prevention for SAD. If you have a history of SAD, you can take steps to manage it positively in the future.

    Warning

    • Seasonal affective disorder can have severe complications such as suicidal thoughts, difficulties with work and school, substance abuse and withdrawal from activities and responsibilities.

    Prognosis

    • Although there is no cure for SAD, with proper treatment, the prognosis for seasonal affective disorder is good. The key is in managing SAD symptoms until they naturally disappear.

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