Did you know that up to 10% of people in the northern latitudes become clinically depressed in the fall and winter each year? This may sound strange but it is a very real problem that many people deal with year after year. This phenomenon is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or 'SAD'. Why does this happen? There are many theories. The main theory out there is that the decreased exposure to sunlight affects the production and regulation of chemicals that regulate mood, sleep, and hormones. This may have the overall affect of causing our body to run more slowly overall in winter. Exposure to light may help set this problem straight.

Up until now, this type of seasonal depression was treated when it occurred. Usually, it is treated with antidepressants or by increasing exposure to light with a contraption called a light box. A light box is a box with fluorescent lights in it that you can sit in front of for a specified amount of time each day. Now, a medication that has been around for quite a while, Wellbutrin XL, has been approved for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder.

 Now, a person who tends to suffer each year from this disorder can start taking this medication in the fall and continue to take it through to the spring. In the spring, it can then be tapered off. The hope is that this medication will prevent SAD before it starts. This may be a welcome option for patients who find themselves suffering every fall and winter with this condition. Depression can be a debilitating disorder, often affecting work, family and social life.

Although there are many drugs that are available for the treatment of SAD, this is the only drug that has been studied for the prevention of SAD. Besides medications there are other things you can do to try to head off SAD before it starts. If the climate permits, getting a little extra sunlight during this time of the year may help ward of SAD. Also, many new studies are showing that regular exercise can help treat and prevent depression. Most studies suggest at least 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3 days a week. This type of exercise would include such activities as bicycling, walking or running. It is thought that exercise positively affects the same neurotransmitters that are involved in the development of SAD and other types of depression.

If you suffer yearly from SAD, talk to your doctor about different preventative options. There is no reason to suffer when options for prevention exist.