Pathophysiology of seasonal affective disorder: a review.
The study of the pathophysiology of seasonal affective disorder (SAD, also known as winter depression) has historically been intimately linked to investigations into the mechanisms of action of light therapy. This paper reviews the studies on the pathophysiology of SAD with emphasis on circadian, neurotransmitter, and genetic hypotheses. There is substantial evidence for circadian phase shift and serotonergic hypotheses, but conflicting results may indicate that SAD is a biologically heterogeneous condition. Recent progress in defining the molecular mechanisms of the human circadian clock and retinal phototransduction of light will provide important new directions for future studies of the etiology and pathophysiology of SAD.
Lam
R W
RW
Division of Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, UBC Hospital, Vancouver, BC. rlam@interchange.ubc.ca
Levitan
R D
RD
D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D008550:Melatonin