SAD may affect your overall quality of life, so it is important to tell your primary care provider or mental health professional if you experience symptoms of SAD. Typically, your doctor will ask you questions related to the symptoms of SAD and may ask you to complete a questionnaire. These questions may help to identify symptoms of depression and SAD. If your symptoms mainly occur during fall or winter and improve in spring or summer, you may be experiencing SAD. Other screening forms used by your doctor may ask you how you are feeling, what your symptoms are, and how often you experience them over a two-week period. Additional testing may be needed to ensure that your symptoms are not signs of other medical conditions. Your doctor will want to rule out thyroid disease, anemia, vitamin D deficiency, and other issues. You’ll also be asked about any health conditions you have that may have similar symptoms to SAD, such as alcohol abuse, attention deficit disorder, and other mental health conditions. Your doctor also will review any medicine you are currently taking. Some medicines can have side effects that contribute to or cause the feelings you are experiencing. Your doctor will work with you to develop a follow-up plan to best suit your needs. Recent data suggest that office visits every four to eight weeks are helpful in monitoring SAD. Be sure to discuss treatment and long-term care with your provider.