A 35-year-old female presents with a noticeable pattern of recurrent, low mood, increased appetite, and weight gain during the winter months for the past four years. The symptoms usually remit by early spring. She denies having any depressive symptoms outside these periods. What is the probable diagnosis and management strategy?
The patient's symptoms suggest Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), specifically the winter pattern, which is characterized by depressive episodes during the winter months that remit in the spring/summer. Treatment options include light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and potentially antidepressant medication. Lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity, healthy eating, and ensuring exposure to natural daylight can also be beneficial.