Hallberg's Picture of Health: The season of SAD

Winter — with its darker, colder days here in the north — can be especially difficult for people with seasonal affective disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that comes and goes depending on the time of year.

In the northern hemisphere, it's by far the most common form of seasonal depression, said Dr. Jon Hallberg.

And the farther you get from the equator, the more common SAD becomes.

Doctors help patients combat SAD in a variety of ways ranging from traditional depression medication to more unique treatments like light therapy boxes.

Hallberg, MPR News regular medical analyst, joined All Things Considered host Tom Crann to talk more about SAD.

Use the audio player above to hear their chat.