Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder that happens every year at the same time. Experts believe that SAD may be related to these hormonal changes. One theory is that less sunlight during fall and winter leads to the brain making less serotonin, a chemical linked to brain pathways that regulate mood. When nerve cell pathways in the brain that regulate mood don't function normally, the result can be feelings of depressive, along with symptoms of fatigue and weight gain. Traditional antidepressants are often used to treat seasonal depression. Bupropion XL is currently the only medication that is FDA-approved specifically to prevent major depressive episodes in people with SAD.