What is a common treatment for seasonal depressive disorder?

Light therapy with a sun lamp is widely recognized as a common and effective treatment for seasonal depressive disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by depressive symptoms that occur at certain times of the year, often coinciding with reduced exposure to sunlight during the fall and winter months.

Light therapy aims to compensate for the lack of natural sunlight by exposing individuals to bright artificial light, which can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and improve mood. The light therapy sessions typically involve sitting near a specially designed light box that emits bright light, mimicking natural sunlight. Research has shown that this treatment can lead to improvements in symptoms for many individuals suffering from SAD.

Other treatment options, such as medications, can be considered as well but are usually not the first line of treatment. Increased physical activity can certainly be beneficial for overall mental health but is not specific to the treatment of SAD. Avoiding social activities would likely exacerbate depressive symptoms rather than alleviate them, as social engagement can be an important protective factor in mental health. Thus, light therapy is the most appropriate and common initial treatment for seasonal depressive disorder.