SAD Light Therapy

Kunbi Balogun asked:


A light therapy box is a small, portable device containing fluorescent bulbs or tubes and is used in the treatment of SAD. A variety of light therapy boxes tailored to help treat SAD currently exist. As such, it is essential to know what to look out for when you have made a decision to buy an SAD light box.

Light therapy is most effective when you have the proper combination of intensity, duration and timing.

The intensity of a light box is recorded in lux; this is a measure of the amount of light received at a specific distance from a light source. Light boxes specifically used for light therapy usually produce between 2500 and 10000 lux (10000 lux being typical, this is usually about ten times brighter than exposure to normal room lights but still weaker than light experienced on a sunny beach). The intensity of the light box you use may determine the distance at which you need to be from it and most importantly the length of time you need to use it. 10000 lux light boxes typically require, on average, 30 minutes per session. On the other hand, 2500 lux light boxes may require up to 2 hours per session.

The duration of light treatment works hand in hand with the intensity of your light box, and as such, at lower intensities, longer light therapy sessions will be required daily. Typical daily sessions of light therapy ranges from 20 minutes to 2 hours. As previously mentioned, an intensity of 10000 lux would typically require about 30 minutes per session.

The time of day during which light therapy can be administered can vary. However, light therapy is most effective for most people if used in the morning on waking up. Administering light therapy at night can disrupt your sleep.

When choosing a light box, the following are a few things to consider,

1. Intensity – It is essential to look out for a light box, which allows you the right intensity at a distance comfortable for you. Nowadays most light boxes offer 10000 lux within a few inches from the box.

2. UV exposure – Be on the look out for light boxes, which produce as little UV light as possible at high intensity or which carefully shield UV rays that are produced.

3. Light direction – It is essential that light should come from above your line of sight and not below it. Ensure the light box you want can be positioned appropriately.

4. Style – Light boxes come in various shapes and styles, some look like upright lamps, whilst others are small and rectangular. You can even purchase small, portable “on the go” light boxes if you travel frequently.

5. Convenience – This is something to consider if you are looking for a portable light box that can be moved easily and can fit the desired location in your home or office.

References

Learn more about SAD by visiting our SAD Learning Centre.

Start shopping from our range of SAD products.

Useful links

MayoClinic – SAD: Treatment with light therapy

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/MH00023

MayoClinic – SAD: Choosing a light therapy box

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/DN00013

National Alliance on Mental Illness

http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Seasonal_Affective_Disorder_(SAD).htm

Mental Health Foundation

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/information/mental-health-a-z/seasonal-affective-disorder/

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Find out more information: http://www.allergymatters.com/acatalog/sad_learning_Centre.html

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Kunbi Balogun asked:


Over the age of 65 it affects about 1 in 20. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s continues to increase with age, so those aged 80 have a higher risk of developing it than those aged 65. By the age of 85 nearly 1 in 2 will have the disease. Women have a slightly greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s than men. It is thought that about 500,000 people in the UK are believed to have the disease. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease and very few effective treatments are available.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can vary greatly, but those with the disease often have one or more of the following:

1. Problem with memory

2. Problems with speech and language

3. Confusion

4. Changes in mood and behaviour

5. Problem learning new information, ideas or skills

6. Difficulty performing simple everyday tasks

People afflicted with Alzheimer’s often suffer disturbances in circadian (daily) rhythm, which affects body functions such as sleep cycles, temperature, alertness and hormone production. As a result, impaired sleep and nocturnal restlessness place great burdens on the sufferer and the care giver. Sedatives are usually prescribed; however these have limited usefulness and are typically accompanied by side effects.

It is thought that daily exposure of Alzheimer’s patients to bright light may resolve circadian rhythm sleep disorders. According to the Sleep Review, clinical research has shown that exposure to very bright light in the day and darkness at night can consolidate rest and activity patterns in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In a 12-week trial involving 27 women and 5 men aged 60-95 years, 15 subjects received 1 hour of exposure to bright natural light each morning and 17 control subjects were exposed only to normal low-light conditions. Results obtained from this trial indicated a trend toward increased sleep efficiency (percentage of time in bed spent asleep), decreased nighttime wakefulness, and decreased nighttime activity in the intervention group, compared with the controls.

Although further research needs to be done in this area, existing research have produced very promising results, which is a real light at the end of the tunnel for Alzheimer’s Disease sufferers, caregivers and family members caring for such patients.

Useful links

Alzheimer’s Society

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

NHS Direct - Alzheimer’s disease

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=14

Family Practice News Article - Light Therapy Aids Alzheimer’s Sleep Disorders

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BJI/is_17_30/ai_66168796

Sleep Review - Light Therapy and Alzheimer’s disease

http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/issues/articles/2003-01_01.asp

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Find out more information: http://www.allergymatters.com/acatalog/Light_Therapy_and_Alzheimer_s_Disease.html

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Kunbi Balogun asked:


It is not classified as a disease as it is a condition that causes many different symptoms, which affect all systems in the body. 90% of those affected are female (especially during child bearing ages) with most patients experiencing symptoms between the ages of twenty and forty. Children and the elderly can also be affected by FM.

FM has no known cause as there is little evidence supporting any of the theories suggested by researchers. It is however thought to be triggered by,

1. Sleep disorders

2. Injury and Muscle Trauma

3. Genetic predisposition

4. Immune System Abnormalities, and

5. Infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria

FM has two main components, pain and fatigue. Pain is felt throughout the body (ligaments, tendons and muscles) and can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciating. It can also continue for months and even years. Fatigue can be experienced as anything from feeling a little tired to feeling absolutely exhausted, and can make the pain of the illness harder to bear.

Symptoms include:

1. Morning stiffness

2. Wide spread pain

3. Sleep disorders

4. Chronic headaches

5. Dizziness

6. Nausea

7. Depression

8. Facial and jaw pain

9. Irritable bowel, frequent bouts of diarrhoea or constipation and irritable bladder

10. Cognitive dysfunction including lack of concentration and mixing up words

(To mention a few)

Patients often feel they are aching all over, with muscles feeling sore, stiff and overworked. Muscle twitching is also not rare in FM and can sometimes feel like they are burning.

Treatment for FM tends to be very comprehensive and can involve a number of health care providers including physicians, physiotherapists, psychiatrists, chiropractors and occupational therapists. Common treatments include pharmaceutical treatments such as the use of Lentizol, Sinequan or Seroxat. Other treatments include relaxation techniques, therapeutic massage, gentle exercise program, acupuncture, change in diet and cognitive behaviour therapy, to mention a few.

Light therapy is an alternative therapy, which can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia. It can help reduce muscle pain, depression, fatigue and sleep disorders. Three different types of light therapy can be used for treating symptoms of fibromyalgia: Bright Light Therapy, Colour Therapy and Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT).

Based on the idea that our body is specifically attuned to light, bright light therapy uses high powered fluorescent lights to help trigger the release of specific hormones, which help to restore the body’s natural rhythm and overall health. Bright light therapy for fibromyalgia is typically carried out using a light box, which is typically placed in front of you at eye level. Depending on the intensity of the light box, treatment time could be between 15 minutes to 3 hours. You remain seated in front of the box without staring at the light box, but absorbing the light while carrying out other activities such as reading, eating, etc.

Colour therapy is a form of phototherapy, which delivers coloured beams of light to various parts of the body and its usage is becoming more popular among chronic pain sufferers. As the eyes see the coloured beams of light, the light energy is converted into electric impulses, which travel through the brain, triggering the release of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, which help to improve your mood and ease pain. The four colours typically used are red, blue, violet, and white. Colour therapy is very relaxing and typically lasts between 15 minutes and 1 hour.

Also known as Cold Light Therapy or Soft Laser Light Therapy, Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) helps to reduce pain and promote healing by increasing the energy levels of certain cells in the body. Low-frequency laser light beams are applied to various painful areas of the body, once the photons emitted by these beams are absorbed by the body; they are converted into cellular energy by the energy power houses within the cells (the mitochondria). Consequently, this helps to increase the rate at which your body heals thereby eliminating pain.

Various studies have suggested that light therapy is highly effective at reducing symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue and depression, and as such is worth a try for fibromyalgia patients who yearn to be relieved of their symptoms. Read more about light therapy in our brand new Light Therapy Learning Centre. As effective as light therapy is for various disorders, certain individuals are advised against using it especially those suffering from epilepsy, skin sensitivities, glaucoma, bipolar disorders, cataracts and other eye diseases.

References

Start shopping from our range of Light Therapy products.

Light Therapy…Did you know?

Useful links

UK Fibromyalgia

http://www.ukfibromyalgia.com/support_pages/support-frames.html

Fibromyalgia Symptoms

http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/index.html

Fibromyalgia Association UK

http://www.fibromyalgia-associationuk.org/

Fibrofocus

http://www.fibrofocus.org.uk/links.html

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Find out more information: http://www.allergymatters.com/acatalog/Light_Therapy_learning_Centre.html

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Kunbi Balogun asked:


This is followed by full remission or hypomanic states (mild state of mania) during the following spring and summer.1 A rare form of SAD occurs during the summer. SAD is generally characterised by four central features,

1. Recurrent major depressive episodes, which start around the same time each year, for example September to October, and end around the same time each year, for example March to April,

2. Full remission of symptoms during the unaffected period of the year, for example May to August,

3. Relatively more seasonal depressive episodes than non-seasonal episodes, over the lifetime course of the illness,

4. Seasonal depressive episodes occur in at least 2 consecutive years.2

Subsyndromal SAD is a disorder with similar but milder symptoms to SAD, which do not affect the patient’s ability to function. It has been reported that there is a paucity of information concerning the incidence and detection of SAD in UK populations.3 Prevalence rates suggested by studies carried out have ranged from 1 to 12% depending on the diagnostic criteria used.4 The overall lifetime incidence of SAD is said to range from 0 to 9.7%, depending on the specific population studied and how it is diagnosed. SAD prevalence may be higher in northern latitudes than southern latitudes and may vary within ethnic groups at the same latitude.5 It has been reported that the risk of SAD probably increases if people move to live further away from the equator. Almost all the studies of the incidence of SAD report that women are more likely to suffer from SAD. The average ratio of women to men across all studies is 1.8 to 1.2 During the reproductive years, female sufferers predominate; however a reduction in incidence and a narrowing of gender differences is seen in old age.6 With respect to age, studies report that the life time incidence of SAD increases with age until around age 60. After the age of 50-54, it is reported that the incidence declines dramatically and as such, over the age of 65 the incidence of SAD is very low. Regardless of this however, patients over 65 may still present to hospitals for treatment. It has been suggested that the response of patients over 65 to treatment does not differ from that of younger patients with SAD.2 It should be noted that the low incidence of SAD in older individuals may be as a result of misdiagnosis as physicians may consider symptoms presented by such individuals as being down to old age and not SAD. Children also suffer from SAD, although this is quite rare as children have more opportunity than adults to play and interact outdoors thereby exposing them to more sunlight and as such suppressing any possible triggers of SAD; however, incidence rates rise at puberty.6 Severity of SAD can be mild, moderate or severe.

Cause of SAD

The cause of SAD is unknown. However it is thought that in people predisposed to winter SAD, decreasing daylight period as winter approaches is thought to be a trigger.7 Essentially, the onset of SAD is thought to be associated with seasonal reduction in daylight, and its remission to ensuing seasonal increase in daylight.8

Symptoms

Symptoms of SAD include,

1. Hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)

2. Chocolate/carbohydrate craving

3. Impaired concentration

4. Irritability

5. Weight gain

6. Low libido

7. Anhedonia (lack of pleasure or of the capacity to experience it)

8. Low mood, which is often worse in the morning

9. Loss of interest

10. Poor motivation

11. Anxiety

12. Anergia (lack of energy)

13. Social withdrawal

14. In children, symptoms may also include grades falling in the winter and rising in the spring, or poor relations at school during winter

Patients with winter SAD may experience a reversal of their winter symptoms during the summer, that is, elevated mood, increased libido, social activity and energy, decreased sleep requirements, appetite and mild hypomania (mild state of mania).8

Associated diagnosis

Several conditions have been reported to be associated with SAD as they share similar mechanisms. These include,

1. Panic disorders

2. Social phobia

3. Bulimia nervosa

4. Chronic fatigue syndrome

5. Premenstrual syndrome

6. May also be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

7. A pattern of seasonal alcohol use may also be associated with SAD7

Treatment

Treatment options for SAD include,

1. Regular exposure to natural light outdoors (natural light therapy) as much as possible in autumn and winter, particularly in the morning. This is advisable for milder symptoms and in conjunction with other therapies in severe cases.6

2. Continuing regular exercise. This is antidepressant in itself and helps to reduce weight gain and promote a feeling of mastery. Exercising outdoors (walking or light jogging) is even more beneficial through concurrent light exposure.6 This should also be used in conjunction with other therapies.

3. Light therapy has been recommended as the first line treatment for SAD.9 This includes the use of light boxes. Alternatives include light sources adapted for the workplace (such as desk lights or fitments above computer screens), rechargeable light visors and dawn-simulating alarm clocks (body clocks).6 Both subsyndromal and full-syndromal SAD may respond to light therapy. See our range of light therapy products.

4. Cognitive behavioural therapy. This has some effectiveness in improving dysfunctional automatic thoughts and attitudes, behaviour withdrawal and low rates of positive reinforcements. When used in combination with light therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment and prevention against recurrence of SAD.5, 6

5. Pharmacotherapy (antidepressants such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline). These are often used in moderate to severe cases, either alone or in conjunction with light therapy.6

References

1. Prjek E, et al. Bright light therapy in seasonal affective disorder-does it suffice? Eur Neuropharmacol 2004;14:347-351

2. Apollo Light Research Archive. Canadian Consensus Guidelines for the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Ed. Raymond W. Lam & Anthony J. Levitt.

3. Michalak EE, Wilkinson C, Dowrick C, Wilkinson G. Seasonal Affective Disorder: prevalence, detection and current treatment in North Wales. Br J Psychiatry 2001; 179:31-34.

4. Thompson C, Thompson S, Smith R. Prevalence of seasonal affective disorder in primary care: a comparison of seasonal health questionnaire and the seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire. J Affect Disord 2004; 78: 219-226.

5. Lurie S, et al. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Am Fam Physician 2006; 74: 1521-1524.

6. Eagles JM. Light therapy and seasonal affective disorder. Psychiatry 2006; 5(6): 199-203.

7. Partonen T, Lonnqvist J. Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lancet 1998; 352: 1369-1374.

8. Reid S, Towell AD, Golding JF. Seasonality, social zeitgebers and mood variability in entrainment of mood: Implication for seasonal affective disorder. J Affect Disord 2000; 59: 47-54.

9. Sher L. Aetiology and pathogenesis of mood disorders. Q J Med 2003; 96: 309-313.

10. Michalak EE, Murray G, Wilkinson C, Dowrick C, Lam RW. A pilot study adherence with light treatment for seasonal affective disorder. Psychiatry Res 2007;149: 315-320.

Disclaimer

This article is only for informative purposes. It is not intended to be a medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Kindly follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.

Find out more information: http://www.allergymatters.com/acatalog/sad_learning_Centre.html

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Karin Manning asked:


One of the newest and hottest trends in the medical field today is the acne blue light therapy. Many researches and studies have been conducted on blue light therapy and many have found out that this new method of treating acne really works. With the findings, many people have considered the therapy as a major breakthrough and could be an excellent option for acne patients who have had minimal feat with the conventional therapies.

The primary function of the therapy is actually to knock out the acne-causing bacteria. It has been found out that blue light gets at the center of what triggers the acne eruptions, that is, P acnes. P acnes are the bacteria responsible for causing acne inflammation that pumps out tiny molecules known as porphyrins.

Numerous studies and findings have noted that when those prophyrin are exposed to particular wavelengths of light, they basically emit free radicals that generally kill the bacteria. So, without the P acnes around to trigger inflammation, the acne then clears up.

The therapy has certain benefits. This method is highly considered as 100 percent natural and non-invasive. The therapy is also drug-free without any form of unfavorable side effects. Many have even deemed that the therapy is safe for all ages as well as for daily use. It yields to pain and can be easily managed even in your own home.

In terms of the procedure, it is usually known that patients generally receive therapy in increments. Usually, eight sessions are given over a four-week period and every session generally lasts for about 15 minutes.

Many have deemed that the acne blue light therapy has no adverse effects knowing that this method only tends to have mild side effects which involve the temporary pigment changes, swelling of the treated areas, and dryness.

Having these minor side effects, most of the experts conclude that the acne blue light therapy is but more effective for inflammatory acne lesions and may not be appropriate for patients who suffer from nodulocystic acne.

Today, the acne blue light therapy is known throughout the world as some advertisements on television, the Internet, and some other media feature it. The acne blue light products of today are known to have no ultraviolet (UV) light, which was considered as a staple of former light therapy employed for treating acne. It is now FDA approved and is widely used.

Joe Stewart asked:


Seasonal Affective Disorder or “SAD” can greatly affect a persons mood. SAD is a common type of depression that affects some people during the change of seasons when there is less or no sunlight. This is a condition that’s really not understood by doctors, but it’s thought to be related to the amounts of melatonin and serotonin in your body. It’s believed that a chemical imbalance occurs which is caused by a lack of sunlight. This most common in the months of September through April. There are some things that can be helpful to individuals that suffer from this condition. Below are a few things that you can do.

#1. Exercise - It may seem tough to get going, but it’s proven to work for many people. Not just a casual stroll through the park though. I’m talking about really getting out there and working up a sweat. You can go for a brisk walk, run distance, hill sprint (this is an excellent workout), hit the exercise bike or treadmill, do calisthenics, go swim laps, ect. Heck, you may want to stack rocks or chop wood, it doesn’t matter, but just make certain not to cheat yourself. The idea here is to feel better and you’ve got to do what it takes in order to do that. Make certain to stretch your entire body very well before and after you exercise. This will reduce soreness and also reduce your risk of injury.

#2. Step into the light - Whether it’s outside for physical activity or turning lights on inside the house, get yourself into the light. Sitting next to a bright lamp and reading a good, positive book or magazine or perhaps writing down how you’re feeling can help. Open the blinds and let light into the house (unless it’s dreary outside).

#3. Phone Someone that you trust - Everyone needs someone that they can confide in, whether it’s a close friend or family member. Just make certain that they’re trustworthy. It’s nice to be able to call someone up and just dump some dirt from time to time.

#4. Join a support group - You’re not alone. There are many others that suffer from some form of depression and it’s very likely that there are support groups in your area. It really helps to talk to others that know exactly what you’re going through. Call your primary care physician and have them recommend one or, if you don’t have insurance or a regular doctor, simply look in the yellow pages under “mental health”.

#5. Antidepressant Medication - Don’t be afraid to admit that you’ve got a problem that needs to be dealt with. We are only human and you’re not the only person to suffer from this problem, so don’t go feeling guilty about asking for help. There are many antidepressants available now that can help you to get back on track. Don’t wait though as it normally takes three to four weeks for these medicines to build up in your blood stream and have full affect. Also, many people react differently to these medications, that’s why there are more than one and you may not get the one that will help you right off the bat. The best thing to do is call your doctor and make an appointment to speak to him or her.

#6. Phototherapy Lights- This has been proven to be helpful for some individuals. In as little as two hours a day, the results have been very positive. Speak to your doctor about this.

#7. Find a purpose - This is something that you do enjoy or used to enjoy before you started feeling down. Totally throw yourself into this project so that you don’t have time to think about being sad. This project could be writing a report, cooking (be careful here so you don’t pack on the pounds), arts and crafts or music to name a few. If you play an instrument, why not write or learn some new songs? This is very helpful to me as I play the guitar. It’s very therapeutic to be able to pour your feelings out musically. The point is to find something that you like or that you’re good at (or both) and keep yourself occupied.

Although this type of depression can be difficult to deal with, it can be manageable with the proper care and activities. The sun will shine again.

John Morris asked:


Light therapy or phototherapy is an alternative treatment based on light exposure for various disorders. This procedure, which is also called light box therapy, involves the use of light brighter than regular indoor lighting, but significantly less bright than sunlight.

1. What Can Light Therapy Cure?

- Psoriasis - Hyperbilirubinemia - Atopic dermatitis - Other skin disorders - Sleep disturbance - Premenstrual syndrome - Mental disorders - Schizoaffective - Bipolar disorders

2. Treatment

Under the treatment, patients are exposed directly to full-spectrum bright light. The patient either sits down, if a light box is used as the source, or has some degree of mobility if a light visor is used. The duration of the exposure depends on the seriousness of the condition, reduction or elimination of the symptoms and light strength. Depression is one condition that is eliminated through the therapy. The affected individual’s biological clock, or the natural course of one’s waking and sleeping hours, is gradually normalized following light therapy. The process involves gradually increasing the time exposed to a high-intensity fluorescent lamp from about 30 minutes up to about 2 hours every morning - the time when the therapy is said to be most effective. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression caused by the absence of or limited exposure to sunlight during fall and winter. The use of light therapy has been cited by up to 90% of individuals with SAD as helpful in making them feel better, possibly because the treatment takes the place of sunlight exposure. SAD symptoms could take as long as three weeks before they are relieved through the therapy.

3. Not A Replacement For Traditional Care

Although the treatment is safe, most experts do not see light therapy as a replacement to traditional medical care. However, the approach is considered a good complement to other therapies. Patients should visit their health practitioner if treatment fails to eliminate symptoms of depression, or specially if they worsen, following an extended period of time. As with regular therapy, some side effects have also been observed with light therapy. These include headache, sweating, eyestrain, nausea, and agitation. More extreme and adverse effects include skin damage, eye cancer and skin and genital cancer. Some patients have also reported difficulty in falling asleep, although these are mostly individuals having the treatment towards the end of the day. Relief from insomnia is achieved mainly by reducing light exposure time and having the therapy earlier in the day, or by applying dawn simulation. The therapy is not advisable for individuals with sensitive skin and eyes.

4. Light Booth Studies - Does This Actually Work?

Light boxes, ultra violet booths, commercial tanning beds and related equipment also pose the question of cost. If the doctor being consulted has these equipment in the clinic, the problem would be more of a time issue, or ensuring daily or regular visits. Some companies have light therapy equipment for rent, although insurance coverage may not include these as part of the treatment. Psychiatric research from the Chapel Hill School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina has found comparable results between phototherapy, or light therapy, and antidepressant drug therapy in the treatment of SAD and other mood disorders. The 2005 study applied systematic statistical analysis to earlier clinical literature covering 20 randomized studies. These studies focused on 18- to 65-year-old adults who exhibited mood disorder and were grouped into four treatment classes: bright light for non-seasonal depression, bright light for SAD, integrated bright light-regular antidepressant use for non=seasonal sufferers and dawn simulation.

Scientists found that the elimination of methodologically flawed studies from the controlled set and meta-analysis of the remaining organized material established the efficacy of light therapy for SAD and depression. UNC psychiatry chairman Dr. Robert Golden, who is also vice dean of the UNC medical school, noted that light therapy intervention delivered results comparable to traditional depression treatments as detailed in medical literature. Although the scientists concluded that light therapy is an effective treatment for SAD and non-seasonal disorders, they emphasized that the research did not establish the treatment’s safety and/or negative side effects because of limited related data. Researchers also did not look at the effects of light therapy on the aged, children and adolescents.

Martin Hansen asked:


Contemplating how to get that clear beautiful complexion? The latest advance in laser technology could make this more than a pipe dream for acne sufferers. The technique is called BLU-U for short, basically because it involves the use of visible blue light.

How does blue light affect acne?

To answer this question let us briefly recapitulate what acne really is. Acne is simply the term used to describe the clogged pores (pimples, whiteheads, blackheads or lesions) that occur on your face or on other parts of your body. The cause of acne comes from a disorder of the skin’s oil glands. These oil glands produce a substance called sebum, which is constantly secreting through openings in the skin.

In some cases cells that are too close to the openings of these oil glands actually end up in the way and block the opening. As a result, oil builds up underneath the skin and provides a wonderful feeding ground for the nasty bacteria that simply multiply and cause acne.

What the blue light does is trigger the proliferation of photo sensitizers (so called porphyrins) in the acne causing bacteria. This creates a toxic environment, which destroys the acne bacteria themselves, thereby eliminating a major culprit in the process of producing acne.

What happens during a treatment session?

Blue-light therapy typically requires 16 minutes per treatment session. Patients sit in a chair while the therapeutic light is applied. Apart from an occasional, slight warming sensation, BLU-U light treatments are described as easy, even relaxing.

Typically, blue-light treatments are given twice a week for four weeks, then once a week for four weeks. Experts in photodynamic therapy generally recommend that patients do not miss any treatment appointments in order to see maximum results. BLU-U effectively clears 70% of moderate, inflammatory acne in 4-8 weeks, and best results are achieved when used with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics.

BLU-U is FDA approved and is considered one of the safest acne treatments available. It has no known side effects. Some health care professionals like to say that teenagers can expect results to last for a year, while many grown-ups can expect them to last a life time. However, varying results should be expected from one person to the next and your skin type will play an important role in determining the results of blue-light treatments.

Can blue light cure severe acne as well?

In most cases of moderate to severe cystic acne the blue light itself is not enough to treat the condition. In those cases a prescription solution of a photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid) is applied to the affected skin. After the solution has been allowed time to absorb into the skin (it typically takes from 1-2 hours) the patient sits under a Blu-U light which activates the Levulan. The result is a reduction of acne lesions and oiliness and in turn produces skin rejuvenation.

This sounds exciting, and it is. However, do not forget to be critical. First of all, according to the FDA, a Levulan/BLU-U treatment does have some potential side effects. These include, but are not limited to: a tingling, stinging, prickling, or burning feeling of the treated areas. These feelings should improve at the end of the blue light treatment and should end within 24 hours.

Following blue light treatment, the surrounding skin, will redden. Swelling may also occur. These changes should reach a maximum the day after BLU-U treatment. However, these changes are temporary, should improve markedly by the end of the first week, and should be completely gone by 4 weeks after treatment. Other side effects at the treatment sites may include: scaling, itching, and changes in skin color.

Second, ask critical questions when you talk to your health care provider about Levulan/BLU-U. For example, the treatment regimen dramatically decreases the production of sebum, but is this really good for your skin overall? It may help relieve acne, but what if sebum is important for your skin in other respects? Does sebum help keep the skins elasticity? Does it play an integral role in the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of the skin? Does it prevent your skin from becoming to dry? Does it help protect your skin from the sun? Ask questions, and expect thorough answers. After all, it’s your skin on the line.

An addition to the arsenal

Blue-light therapy, both by itself and in combination with Levulan, is a very exciting new approach to treating acne. Regardless of skin type or lifestyle, approximately 80% of the population will suffer from acne at some point in their lives. Acne is common in both teens and adults, and effective treatment solutions are in great demand.

BLU-U/Levulan is an exciting addition to the arsenal of those who battle acne regularly. At this point, however, it should not be considered the be all and end all of acne treatment, and both medical and alternative treatments should be considered as well.

Kunbi Balogun asked:


PMDD differs from PMS in that emotional symptoms in PMDD are more serious and severe than in PMS, although physical symptoms are relatively similar. PMDD can lower quality of life to an extent quite similar to that of major depression, and can also be associated with an increase in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Approximately 5-10% of PMS sufferers also have PMDD. It affects 3 to 8% of women in their reproductive years worldwide, and is a source of huge burden on women and their families. Women with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are more likely to have PMDD than women in the general population.

The exact cause of PMDD is unknown; however, several theories have been proposed. One of such theories suggests that PMDD is due to the lack of serotonin (a substance found naturally in the brain and involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes). Serotonin acts as a calming hormone; therefore when serotonin levels are low, symptoms such as pain, irritability, anger, food cravings, and anxiety are precipitated. Once serotonin levels are restored, many of these symptoms disappear.

PMDD symptoms include at least one of the following:

1. Feeling sad, worthless or hopeless.

2. Feeling tense, anxious or ‘on edge’.

3. Feeling overwhelmed or out of control.

4. Mood swings, emotional outbursts or unexplained crying.

5. Irritability, anger, or short temper.

6. Increased appetite (carbohydrate cravings)

It also includes other common symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty in concentrating, lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, and having suicidal thoughts. Physical symptoms are similar to that in PMS, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, headaches/backaches, and skin problems such as acne.

The first-line treatment for PMDD has been anti-depressants. However, these can be intolerable or result in serious adverse effects, especially in adolescents. Bright Light Therapy has been proposed as a non-pharmacological treatment, amongst other such treatments, to help increase serotonin levels and production, and may represent a safe and attractive alternative. According to Terman & Terman (2005), patients with both seasonal and nonseasonal PMDD, or milder PMS have responded favourably to 1 week of bright light therapy, in a series of clinical trials. The effect of bright light is thought to be mediated through increased production of melatonin, which subsequently boosts serotonin levels. For women seeking a non-pharmacological and safe treatment for PMDD, light therapy is a promising treatment with great prospects.

Useful links

e-Medicine: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3357.htm

HealthyPlace.com – Depression Community: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/pmdd.asp

References

1. Light therapy. PMS & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). http://www.lighttherapy.com.au/pms.php. Accessed: 23/08/2007.

2. Lam RW, Carter D, Misri S, Kuan AJ, Yatham LN, Zis AP. A controlled study of light therapy in women with late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. Psych Res 1999; 86: 185-192.

3. Terman M, Terman JS. Light Therapy. In: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine (2005). Ed by Kryger MH, Roth T, Dement WC. 4th Ed. Elsevier. Philadelphia. Pp 1424-1442.

4. Krasnik C et al. The effect of bright light therapy on depression associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005; 193: 658-661.

5. Liang BA et al. Recognizing and Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Hosp Physician 2003. http://www.turner-white.com/pdf/hp_aug03_disorder.pdf. Accessed: 23/08/2007.

Find out more information: http://www.allergymatters.com/acatalog/Light_Therapy_and_PMDD.html

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Gabriel Adams asked:


Given that the major causative factor for SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is lack of exposure to sunlight, it is only natural that light is a major element in the treatment of this condition. Treatment with light therapy gives patients suffering from SAD a chance to lose that all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom and helps them regain their brighter and happier outlook.

Understanding light therapy

Light therapy or bright light therapy is an effective method of treating seasonal affective disorder and has been in use since the 1980s. Light therapy is now considered standard treatment for SAD by mental health professionals all over the world.

A patient undergoing light therapy is required to sit in front of and facing a light box. A light box is a specially designed device that contains fluorescent tubes or bulbs, which emit a light that is similar to outdoor light. The key feature of light therapy is that it works only when the rays of light enter the body through the eyes. Merely exposing the skin or the rest of the body is basically ineffective and will not produce the desired results. However, looking directly into the source of light can cause considerable damage to the eyes. During light therapy it is important that the patient has their face slightly averted so that the rays of light can enter the retina without damaging the eyes in any way. The bulbs in the light box are also covered with a plastic screen that effectively blocks out harmful UV rays.

Undergoing light therapy is akin to sitting outdoors under the sun and causes similar biochemical reactions in the brain that work to relieve the symptoms of SAD and lift the patient’s mood. However, the light emitted by these bulbs is quite different in quality and intensity from that emitted in normal household bulbs, so sitting in front of a lamp in the living room cannot be used to replace light therapy.

Although light therapy boxes can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription, as with any other medical treatment it is always advisable to get the advice of your doctor before you start.

Benefits of light therapy

Light therapy is especially beneficial for SAD sufferers who are averse to taking antidepressants either because they have been ineffective in the past or because they find the side effects of antidepressants intolerable.

It is also a good alternative for expectant women who are suffering from seasonal affective disorder but are reluctant to take antidepressants for fear of its effect on the developing fetus.

Light therapy is an affordable option for those individuals whose insurance policy does not cover mental health services.

Light therapy is helping in treating other conditions including obsessive, compulsive disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other forms of depression besides seasonal affective disorder.

Individuals whose skin is sensitive to light or those who have an existing condition that sensitize their eyes to bright light may be advised not to opt for light therapy as a way to treat their condition. Light therapy is also not prescribed for individuals who take any kind of anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics that react with sunlight.