What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a form of depression that typically starts in fall and winter, when there's less sunlight outside, and then fades away in spring and summer.

Over the years we have learned that both talk therapy and light therapy can help reduce a sad mood. But which technique is better?

According to a report in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the one to one talk therapy seems to be more effective. Of course most of the attention is given to the light therapy where people sit in front of a light box for several minutes every day.  The very bright artificial light stimulates the body much like the sunshine and it has been shown to be effective.

SAD is a very real problem and whatever treatment you choose, it is something you should think about having looked at.