Question

Brenda experiences depression each winter. This has occurred the past 3 years. Which disorder might she have?

a) Bipolar disorder
b) Seasonal affective disorder
c) Major depressive disorder
d) Anxiety disorder

Answer 1

Brenda likely suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a mood disorder with seasonal patterns, for which light therapy could be an effective non-drug treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Brenda experiences depression each winter and this has been occurring repeatedly for the past three years, she might be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder characterized by symptoms such as increased appetite, sluggishness, increased sleepiness, a tendency to overeat, oversleep, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating, which typically occur during the fall and winter months.

The disorder is often linked to the role of melatonin, a hormone that affects sleep patterns and mood. A possible non-drug therapy for SAD is light therapy, which involves exposure to artificial light that simulates sunlight, helping to reduce melatonin production and alleviate symptoms.