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Table 2 Preventive treatments mentioned in interviews (arranged by frequency)

From: Implementing prevention of seasonal affective disorder from patients’ and physicians’ perspectives – a qualitative study

Category

Interventions

Used/recommended by

Lifestyle changes

• Physical activity

• Spending time outdoors

• Structured lifestyle (e.g. appointments, hobbies)

• Vacation in sunny regions

• Balanced diet

Patients and physicians

Antidepressants

• Preventive use of antidepressants

• Maintenance therapy with antidepressants

Patients and physicians

Light therapy

• Starting light therapy in fall before symptoms

• Starting light therapy with first mild symptoms

Patients and physicians

Psychotherapy

• Continuation of therapy

Patients and physicians

Other interventions

• Vitamin D

• St. John’s wort

• Relaxation techniques (e.g. massages)

• Alternative treatments (e.g. qi gong, osteopathy)

Patients