SAD 往往是一种复发性疾病,其中高达 70% 的患者出现复发性秋冬季抑郁发作。[51]Westrin A, Lam RW. Long-term and preventative treatment for seasonal affective disorder. CNS Drugs. 2007;21(11):901-9.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17927295?tool=bestpractice.com 未经治疗的 SAD 病程可能是慢性的,可导致能力丧失,可能与高度地利用医疗服务有关。[23]Westrin A, Lam RW. Seasonal affective disorder: a clinical update. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Oct-Dec;19(4):239-46.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18058281?tool=bestpractice.com[45]Oren DA, Rosenthal NE. Seasonal affective disorders. In: Paykel ES, ed. Handbook of affective disorders, 2nd ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 1992. SAD 的有效管理需及早发现、教育并且需要提供医生可始终监控的循证性光疗和药物治疗。应在春夏季监控秋冬季发病的抑郁发作患者,以观察增加光照后躁狂或轻躁狂症状发作的可能性。依从治疗选择至关重要,因为如果过早停止光疗,可能快速复发。[94]Terman M, Terman JS, Quitkin FM, et al. Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder: a review of efficacy. Neuropsychopharmacology. 1989 Mar;2(1):1-22.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2679625?tool=bestpractice.com