Final answer:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern, often during winter, with potential involvement of the hormone melatonin. Light therapy is a potential non-drug therapy for SAD, helping to regulate melatonin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a subtype of depression experienced during specific times of the year, most commonly the winter months. This mood disorder is characterized by symptoms such as increased appetite, sluggishness, increased sleepiness, and a depressive mood. These symptoms align with major depressive disorder but occur seasonally. In SAD, melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, may play a role as its production is influenced by light exposure. Therefore, a possible non-drug therapy for SAD is light therapy, where exposure to bright lights can help regulate melatonin levels and alleviate symptoms.
Understanding the role of neurotransmitters is crucial in the treatment of depression, including SAD. Classical anti-depressant treatments focus on increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. While antidepressants can take weeks to show clinical results, they remain a cornerstone in managing major depressive disorders along with psychotherapy and other interventions.