Each year numerous people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, a debilitating depression that comes in late autumn to early winter and leaves a person feeling blue, listless and socially withdrawn.
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Dr. Burke |
Dr. Burke, director of the Psychopharmacology Research Consortium and geriatric psychiatry at UNMC, is conducting a study to see if winter depressions can be prevented — before the disorder takes hold — by using an antidepressant.
“There are people who have recurrent episodes of depression every year during the winter months,” Dr. Burke said. “We are comparing the antidepressant bupropion (more commonly known as Wellbutrin XL) to a placebo to see if it is effective in preventing S.A.D.”
Individuals affected by S.A.D. often have less energy, want to sleep and eat more and have a general overall feeling of being blue, Dr. Burke said. “Many people feel like they hibernate during the winter,” he said.
When a person is depressed he or she normally can’t eat or sleep, but often the opposite is true in a person with S.A.D., Dr. Burke said. “The person may gain weight and want to sleep all the time,” he said. Symptoms usually resolve in the spring.
The S.A.D. study is being done in collaboration with more than 20 sites around the country, including the University of Wisconsin, Columbia University and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. At least 10 people, who are not currently depressed, are needed to participate, Dr. Burke said. The study is currently enrolling individuals. Participation is expected through April 2. Persons who enroll will be asked to come to Dr. Burke’s office for monitoring at monthly intervals.
Anyone interested in learning more about the study can call 354-6868.