Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment Workshop

Seasonal Affective Disorder Basics

• Key DSM-5-TR™ criteria and subtypes
• Who experiences SAD? Gender, region, and demographic concerns
• Types of SAD: Summer, winter
• Cognitive aspects of SAD

Go-To Assessments and Mood Monitoring 

• Basic Principles of Mood monitoring
  • Refresher/Overview of the standard measures of mood
  • Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire

Differentiating SAD from depression

• Recognizing patterns and symptom distinctions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions

• CBT approaches to combatting SAD
• The “winter mindset”
• Behavioral activation strategies
• Sleep stabilization/hygiene strategies
• Mood monitoring
• Activity scheduling

Lightbox Therapy

• Coordination of care with client’s physician
• Recommendations from literature, structures, coordination with personal care physician, and over the counter devices
• Ethical concerns and risks and limitations

Advanced Interventions

• Distinguishing SAD from more serious mental health concerns
• Relapse prevention strategies
• Developing a “winter coping plan”

Case examples: Winter-based SAD and Summer-based SAD