Guideline sources The following summarized guidelines for the management of seasonal affective disorder are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the United States Department of Defense (DoD/VA 2022), the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP 2012), and the American Psychiatric Association (APA 2010). 1 2 3 Guidelines 1. Medical management Pharmacotherapy: consider antidepressants for the treatment of patients with seasonal affective disorder. SSRIs are the class of antidepressants with the best evidence for benefit. C 2. Nonpharmacologic interventions Cognitive behavioral therapy: consider CBT tailored for seasonal affective disorder as an acceptable treatment option, which may have prophylactic benefits for subsequent years. C 3. Therapeutic procedures Light therapy: https://web.pathway.md/diseases/recEzmtuRQktwfY7i 1/2 6/24/23, 3:06 PM Seasonal affective disorder Pathway As per VA 2022 guidelines, consider offering bright light therapy in patients with seasonal affective disorder. C As per AAFP 2012 guidelines, consider light therapy for the treatment of patients with seasonal affective disorder. Clinical improvement is usually observed one to two weeks after the start of treatment. C Show 3 more As per APA 2010 guidelines, consider offering bright light therapy for the treatment of patients with seasonal affective disorder. C References 1. Stuart L Kurlansik, Annamarie D Ibay. Seasonal affective disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Dec 1;86 11 1037 41. Open 2. John R McQuaid, Andrew Buelt, Vincent Capaldi et al. The Management of Major Depressive Disorder: Synopsis of the 2022 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2022 Sep 20. Open 3. APA. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Third Edition). APA. 2010. Open 4. Samuel V Galima, Stephen R Vogel, Adam W Kowalski. Seasonal Affective Disorder: Common Questions and Answers. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Dec 1;102 11 668 672. Open 5. Stuart L Kurlansik, Annamarie D Ibay. Seasonal affective disorder. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Dec 1;86 11 1037 41. Open https://web.pathway.md/diseases/recEzmtuRQktwfY7i 2/2