The onset of an episode of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may vary, depending on factors like your body chemistry and where you live. But a large number of SAD sufferers begin noticing changes in their mood by early fall. As its name implies, SAD symptoms appear and disappear as the seasons change. SAD patients typically report their symptoms clear up in spring and summer.

So what's the connection between the change of season and the change in mood? Scientists believe that people with SAD are unusually sensitive to changes in the amount and quality of sunlight that occur throughout the year. Current research suggests that these changes actually create a chemical imbalance in the brain. That’s what makes SAD a whole lot more than just a passing mood. In fact, it’s a serious medical condition requiring a doctor's care.

How does SAD affect people?

Studies estimate that SAD may affect 13 million adult Americans. In fact, many SAD sufferers find it affects them in similar ways.

Many say they want to "hibernate," "hide," or withdraw from human contact during fall or winter months. They even find it difficult to give emotional support to close family members. And yet, these are people who also report full, involved lives the rest of the year.

It's not your fault

So if you’ve been diagnosed with SAD, or think you may be a sufferer, rest assured that it's not your fault. You’re battling a very real medical condition. If you're "not yourself" for one-quarter to one-half of each year, it's time you asked your doctor about your treatment options. Since WELLBUTRIN XL has been shown to prevent episodes of SAD, there's reason to believe you could now feel more like yourself during fall and winter.