Seasonal affective disorder typically occurs during winter. Scientists don't know the cause, but think it triggers depression because the brain produces more of a mood-controlling hormone called melatonin when sunlight levels are low. Sometimes depression occurs in episodes, with long periods of normal functioning in between. Other types of depression are chronic and must be treated on a lifelong basis, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Fact 4 Treatment for depression is easy to get and costs less than not treating it.
Doctors can treat depression with psychotherapy, counseling and medications called antidepressants.
The most well-known of the new antidepressants are Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, although there are many others. Whatever the medication, antidepressants have to build up in the system before being effective. People have to take them for about four weeks before feeling any difference. Side effects are usually mild and temporary and can include nausea, constipation and dizziness. More serious side effects are losing interest in sex and having trouble getting aroused.