For patients diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) after initial treatment, the recommended follow-up protocols include active monitoring with regular assessment of symptoms and personal and social functioning using valid scales at each contact, to inform both patient and practitioner of treatment progress.
Follow-up appointments should be arranged, typically within 2 to 4 weeks after initial treatment, to reassess the patient's condition and adjust treatment as necessary.
Patients should be advised to be vigilant for mood changes, negativity, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation, especially during high-risk periods such as starting or changing treatment or times of increased personal stress, and to contact their practitioner if concerned.
Where treatment is shared between primary and secondary care, clear agreements on responsibility for monitoring and treatment should be established, and the treatment plan shared with the patient and, where appropriate, their family or carer.
Additionally, patients should be supported with advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity (preferably outdoors), good sleep hygiene, and other wellbeing activities, as these may help improve their sense of wellbeing.
Light therapy may be offered to patients with winter depression who prefer it over antidepressants or psychological treatments, but they should be informed that evidence for its efficacy is uncertain.