Current Research
Below is a list of some of the current research being conducted in regard to
SAD. This list is by no means all-inclusive. It should be noted also that
the topics discussed are being researched and have not necessarily been
proven causes of or treatments for SAD or depression. You will
leave this site when clicking on links to journals.
Retinal Sensitivity – This study found
that SAD patients have a lower sensitivity to light which may account for
SAD symptoms. It is not known why this decreased light sensitivity exists. (Electroretinography
in patients with winter seasonal affective disorder by Hebert and Beattie,
et al. in
Psychiatry Research, 127(1-2):27-34, Jun 30, 2004).
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – This study
examined the benefits of CBT in conjunction with light therapy on a small
group. Researchers found that CBT helped reduce SAD symptoms and relapse
rates. Light therapy alone had a 60% relapse rate. (Cognitive-behavioral
therapy, light therapy, and their combination in treating seasonal affective
disorder by Rohan and Lindsey, et al. in
Journal of Affective Disorders, 80(2-3):273-83, June 2004).
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Bright Light Therapy – This study examined
the effectiveness of bright light therapy alone as treatment for SAD and
found that 49% of the participants required some form of medication to treat
symptoms. (Bright light therapy in seasonal affective disorder--does it
suffice? by Pjrek and Winkler, et al. in
European Neuropsychopharmacology,14(4):347-51, Aug 2004).
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Circadian Rhythm – This 3 year study explored the
effects of winter on a self-reported circadian rhythm. Researchers found
that winter depression may be caused by a shift delay in one’s circadian
rhythm, referred to as “eveningness”. (Seasonality and circadian phase
delay: prospective evidence that winter lowering of mood is associated with
a shift towards Eveningness, by Murray, Allen, and Trinder in
Journal of Affective Disorders, 76(1-3):15-22, Sep 2003).
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Sense of Smell – Small group study
examined similarities between SAD patients and photoperiodic animals that
use sense of smell to detect seasonal changes. Researchers found that SAD
patients have a more acute sense of smell that may trigger a decrease in
seasonal mood. (Patients with seasonal affective disorder have lower odor
detection thresholds than control subjects by Postolache and Wehr, et al. in
Archives of General
Psychiatry, 59(12):1119-22, Dec 2002).
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Dawn Simulation – A small sample study to
investigate the effects of dawn simulation on SAD patients found that dawn
simulation helped overcome difficulty awakening and morning drowsiness
associated with SAD. Lends credence to the shift delay of circadian rhythm
theory. (Is dawn simulation effective in ameliorating the difficulty
awakening in seasonal affective disorder associated with hypersomnia? by
Avery and Kouri, et al. in
Journal of Affective Disorders, 69(1-3):231-6, May 2002).
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