SEASONAL AFFECTIVE-DISORDERS

Seasonal affective disorder is a pattern of major depressive episodes that occur and remit with changes in seasons. It may be seen in major depressive or bipolar disorders, as described in the Diagnostic and St atistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The most recognized for m of seasonal affective disorder ''winter depression,'' is characteriz ed by recurrent episodes of depression, hypersomnia, augmented appetit e with carbohydrate craving, and weight gain that begin in the autumn and continue through the winter months. Physicians have many options f or treating seasonal affective disorder While questions regarding the validity of seasonal affective disorder as a syndrome and the mechanis m of action of light therapy continue to be investigated, the establis hed effectiveness of light therapy in patients with winter depression supports the usefulness of assessment for this seasonal pattern and co nsideration of light therapy as an option in addition to existing trea tment choices.