However, many cases go unreported. According to Dr. Lam, there are still misconceptions about the disorder. For most people with SAD, symptoms include a prolonged sense of sadness or low mood with profound fatigue, a tendency to oversleep, low concentration levels, and an increased appetite, especially with carbohydrate cravings for potatoes, bread and rice. A fluorescent light box with a light intensity of 10,000 lux is the standard treatment. People who spend 30 minutes correctly positioned in front of the box, preferably early in the morning, will maximize their response to treatment.
Improvement generally occurs within two to four days.
For SAD patients with more severe depression, or those who find light therapy inconvenient, antidepressant medications can be used. Studies have shown that sertraline and fluoxetine are effective. A summary of the guidelines is in the October 1998 Canadian Journal of Diagnosis. The Centre is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto .