Posts Tagged ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’
SAD And Light Therapy
Adrian Adams asked:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a particular kind of major depression that recurs at definite times of the year; most commonly in the fall, from September through to November. The symptoms show signs of abating from around March through May.
People who suffer from SAD are affected by the amount of daylight exposure they receive. The hormone melatonin, which helps regulate hormone secretion, body temperature and sleep, is produced in the brain during hours of darkness. The decrease in daylight hours in autumn and winter causes an increased production of melatonin in SAD sufferers, which results in the onset of debilitating symptoms of depression. Exposure to bright light is effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.
The incidence of SAD as well as its severity is influenced by several factors including geographical location, family history of SAD, recent illness or spending a major portion of the day in a windowless room. Light therapy works on the principle that exposure to bright light can suppress the production of melatonin in the brain, which regulates the internal clock of the body and reduces symptoms.
A light box is a small portable device that is comprised of fluorescent tubes or bulbs. It is specially designed to provide a precise amount of balanced spectrum light that is equivalent to being out in the sun on a clear, sunny spring day. In mimicking outdoor light, the light box causes biochemical changes in the brain that help in synchronizing wake/sleep patterns, regulating the body clock and relieving symptoms of SAD.
During Light Box Therapy the user is required to sit directly in front of the light box at a specific distance, which depends upon the required intensity. For light therapy to be effective it is necessary for the light from the light box to enter the eyes indirectly. Just exposing the skin to the light does not have the same effect. Looking directly into the light can damage the eyes and is not advisable, except in a few patients who are asked to look into the light for brief moments before looking away again. However, sunglasses are not to be worn during light therapy as it blocks the light from entering the eye, adversely affecting the effectiveness of the therapy.
Light therapy is now considered a standard treatment for SAD. It offers numerous potential benefits for SAD sufferers especially for those who are averse to taking antidepressants or for those tried antidepressants and found them ineffective.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a particular kind of major depression that recurs at definite times of the year; most commonly in the fall, from September through to November. The symptoms show signs of abating from around March through May.
People who suffer from SAD are affected by the amount of daylight exposure they receive. The hormone melatonin, which helps regulate hormone secretion, body temperature and sleep, is produced in the brain during hours of darkness. The decrease in daylight hours in autumn and winter causes an increased production of melatonin in SAD sufferers, which results in the onset of debilitating symptoms of depression. Exposure to bright light is effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.
The incidence of SAD as well as its severity is influenced by several factors including geographical location, family history of SAD, recent illness or spending a major portion of the day in a windowless room. Light therapy works on the principle that exposure to bright light can suppress the production of melatonin in the brain, which regulates the internal clock of the body and reduces symptoms.
A light box is a small portable device that is comprised of fluorescent tubes or bulbs. It is specially designed to provide a precise amount of balanced spectrum light that is equivalent to being out in the sun on a clear, sunny spring day. In mimicking outdoor light, the light box causes biochemical changes in the brain that help in synchronizing wake/sleep patterns, regulating the body clock and relieving symptoms of SAD.
During Light Box Therapy the user is required to sit directly in front of the light box at a specific distance, which depends upon the required intensity. For light therapy to be effective it is necessary for the light from the light box to enter the eyes indirectly. Just exposing the skin to the light does not have the same effect. Looking directly into the light can damage the eyes and is not advisable, except in a few patients who are asked to look into the light for brief moments before looking away again. However, sunglasses are not to be worn during light therapy as it blocks the light from entering the eye, adversely affecting the effectiveness of the therapy.
Light therapy is now considered a standard treatment for SAD. It offers numerous potential benefits for SAD sufferers especially for those who are averse to taking antidepressants or for those tried antidepressants and found them ineffective.
Seasonal Depression and Light Therapy
Light therapy asked:
At the beginning of the 1980’s in the United States Professor Rosenthal discovered the benefits of light therapy lamps. At first they were used in cases of seasonal depression also called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Light therapy is today practised in a number of hospitals a number of pathologies, but mostly with trouble linked to the upset of the biological clock (circadian rhythm problems) like insomnia and generally trouble sleeping.
Light therapy reveals its effectiveness in numerous cases, and helps to quickly find energy when a lower morale lets us feel the changes in the seasons.
Light therapy lamps and seasonal depression or SAD. The principal symptoms of winter season depression start to show at the end of summer when the days start to grow short and become dull as there is less light it is the seasonal change that affects a number of people.
In a number of cases it is Winter Blues which we all suffer from in one way or another, it is a simpler version of winter depression, and this in no way stops us from continuing with our daily lives.
In the cases of SAD people will suffer from a depressive state, tiredness and will have a tendancy to isolate themselves socially. Also noticing a significant rise in their appetite with a tendancy to gain weight or even bulemia due to sweet foods, gloomy humour a tendancy of insomnia and an excessive need of sleep, loss of concentration and motivation with a loss of interest and a loss of out put. The people suffering from seasonal depression do not automatically show symptoms, this is why it is important to contact a doctor for a check up. The signs of this depression disappear with the arrival of beautiful days and sunlight.
Light therapy lamps : How does it work?
Light therapy consists of facing a light therapy lamp which transmits light to the eyes. The intensity of the light should be between 2500 and 10 000 lux (light units). It is the retina via the neurotransmittors that inhibit the melatonin, a sleep hormone which is at the root of the problems linked to a loss of light. This homone is normally secreted at night for us to sleep. The fact that this sleeping drug is naturally blocked during the day helps us to find out natural energy.
How to use the light therapy lamps
First you have to remember that light therapy lamps used as treatment in hospitals and at home respond in the same way as any normal medecine. This is why you should verify that the lamps have an agreed EU license.
The origin of light therapy lamps are reserved for medical use (by a GP or at the hospital). Today light therapy lamps may be used at home, at the office in response to normal usage.
The power will be the first factor in the choice of a lamp, of course the more powerful the lamp the more the use will be a greater comfort.
Each session should be done in the morning. The user must place the lamp at eye height or just underneath the eyes. It is not necessary to look at the lamp but it is important that the retina swims in the light coming from the light therapy.
The length of the session must be between 30 minutes and 2 hours (30 minutes at 10 000 lux or 2500 lux for 2 hours).
The effects on the morale can be felt quite quickly, from the first couple of days, but may take 10 days for others.
There are very little indications against light therapy but it is important to consult a doctor when the person suffers with their eyes or is taking photosensitive medication.
You will find all the information you need on light therapy and seasonal depression at Solvital light therapy
At the beginning of the 1980’s in the United States Professor Rosenthal discovered the benefits of light therapy lamps. At first they were used in cases of seasonal depression also called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Light therapy is today practised in a number of hospitals a number of pathologies, but mostly with trouble linked to the upset of the biological clock (circadian rhythm problems) like insomnia and generally trouble sleeping.
Light therapy reveals its effectiveness in numerous cases, and helps to quickly find energy when a lower morale lets us feel the changes in the seasons.
Light therapy lamps and seasonal depression or SAD. The principal symptoms of winter season depression start to show at the end of summer when the days start to grow short and become dull as there is less light it is the seasonal change that affects a number of people.
In a number of cases it is Winter Blues which we all suffer from in one way or another, it is a simpler version of winter depression, and this in no way stops us from continuing with our daily lives.
In the cases of SAD people will suffer from a depressive state, tiredness and will have a tendancy to isolate themselves socially. Also noticing a significant rise in their appetite with a tendancy to gain weight or even bulemia due to sweet foods, gloomy humour a tendancy of insomnia and an excessive need of sleep, loss of concentration and motivation with a loss of interest and a loss of out put. The people suffering from seasonal depression do not automatically show symptoms, this is why it is important to contact a doctor for a check up. The signs of this depression disappear with the arrival of beautiful days and sunlight.
Light therapy lamps : How does it work?
Light therapy consists of facing a light therapy lamp which transmits light to the eyes. The intensity of the light should be between 2500 and 10 000 lux (light units). It is the retina via the neurotransmittors that inhibit the melatonin, a sleep hormone which is at the root of the problems linked to a loss of light. This homone is normally secreted at night for us to sleep. The fact that this sleeping drug is naturally blocked during the day helps us to find out natural energy.
How to use the light therapy lamps
First you have to remember that light therapy lamps used as treatment in hospitals and at home respond in the same way as any normal medecine. This is why you should verify that the lamps have an agreed EU license.
The origin of light therapy lamps are reserved for medical use (by a GP or at the hospital). Today light therapy lamps may be used at home, at the office in response to normal usage.
The power will be the first factor in the choice of a lamp, of course the more powerful the lamp the more the use will be a greater comfort.
Each session should be done in the morning. The user must place the lamp at eye height or just underneath the eyes. It is not necessary to look at the lamp but it is important that the retina swims in the light coming from the light therapy.
The length of the session must be between 30 minutes and 2 hours (30 minutes at 10 000 lux or 2500 lux for 2 hours).
The effects on the morale can be felt quite quickly, from the first couple of days, but may take 10 days for others.
There are very little indications against light therapy but it is important to consult a doctor when the person suffers with their eyes or is taking photosensitive medication.
You will find all the information you need on light therapy and seasonal depression at Solvital light therapy
Can Natural Daylight Help Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder
Neil Hale asked:
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) also known as winter depression affects around 2 million British citizens each year. Symptoms are most common in people aged between 18-30 years old. It is thought that twice as many women are affected than men, but this could be explained by the fact that men are less likely to admit to being depressed.
Sufferers usually experience no mental health problems throughout most of the year, but tend to develop depressive symptoms during the winter months. It is common that symptoms occur amongst sufferers between September and April each year with symptoms at their worst in December, January and February.
Symptoms of SAD
The symptoms of SAD vary between different people. A small percentage of SAD sufferers struggle to cope during the winter without continuous treatment. However for the majority of SAD sufferers, symptoms tend to be less intense and last for shorter periods of time.
The most common symptoms of SAD (of which many are associated with general depression) include:
General Depression - feeling glooming Mood Swings Social Withdrawal - not wanting to see people Anxiety - Inability to cope Lethargy / Tiredness - no energy for everyday tasks Sleep Problems - oversleeping and not wanting to get out of bed Overeating - cravings for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain Frequent Illness - due to a weakened immune system Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Loss of libido
What Causes SAD
The exact cause of SAD is still unknown. However most theories centre on light deficiency during the winter months due to the shortening of daylight hours and a lack of sunshine.
Light helps to trigger messages to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps to control mood, sleep and appetite. A lack of exposure to light and problems with certain brain chemicals is thought to prevent the hypothalamus from functioning properly.
It is common for SAD sufferers to have lower levels of a brain chemical called Serotonin. Serotonin helps to transmit messages from nerve cells to the brain and has a role in "lifting the mood". It is thought that the development of Serotonin is affected by exposure to sunlight and therefore a lack of exposure to sunlight will mean that less Serotonin will be produced.
SAD sufferers are likely to respond to a decrease in light by producing more of a chemical called Melatonin during winter than non SAD Sufferers. Melatonin helps to slow down the body clock, affects sleep and alters mood patterns. When sufferers are treated with bright light, their Melatonin levels tend to return to normal. However using light therapy to affect Melatonin levels will not completely cure SAD.
Diagnosis of SAD
A GP will be able to advise you whether the symptoms present, are being caused by SAD. SAD is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of the condition are very similar to those of other types of depression and other mental health conditions.
One occurrence of the aforementioned symptoms does not automatically mean that you have SAD.
Diagnosis will usually take place when the symptoms have been experienced during the same months (usually winter), followed by the symptoms clearing in the following months (spring), over a period of two or more consecutive years.
Treatment For SAD
Research in recent years has shown that SAD sufferers have responded dramatically to "light therapy". By exposing SAD sufferers to summertime levels of daylight during the winter, it is possible to reduce the negative symptoms of SAD. Research has shown that light therapy works in around 80% of people, and an improvement in symptoms can be achieved in as little as 3 to 5 days.
Light therapy (also known as photo therapy) involves exposure to very bright light for extended periods each day. The aim of light therapy is to stimulate a change in the brain chemicals and hormones that affect the mood.
Light boxes are ideal source for light therapy. A light box gives out a light that is up to 10 times stronger than normal light. The necessary length of exposure depends on the strength of the light box and the recommended daily dose of light for SAD sufferers is 5,000 lux.
Although light boxes are the ultimate source of light for SAD sufferers, functional Daylight Lamps and Daylight Bulbs can also be purchased to enable the user to read, colour match and conduct fine detailed work, whilst exposing the user to increased levels of natural daylight during the darker winter months. This exposure can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of SAD whilst you are working.
Before conducting any light therapy, it is advised that you visit your GP in order to decide which form of light therapy will be best for you.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) also known as winter depression affects around 2 million British citizens each year. Symptoms are most common in people aged between 18-30 years old. It is thought that twice as many women are affected than men, but this could be explained by the fact that men are less likely to admit to being depressed.
Sufferers usually experience no mental health problems throughout most of the year, but tend to develop depressive symptoms during the winter months. It is common that symptoms occur amongst sufferers between September and April each year with symptoms at their worst in December, January and February.
Symptoms of SAD
The symptoms of SAD vary between different people. A small percentage of SAD sufferers struggle to cope during the winter without continuous treatment. However for the majority of SAD sufferers, symptoms tend to be less intense and last for shorter periods of time.
The most common symptoms of SAD (of which many are associated with general depression) include:
General Depression - feeling glooming Mood Swings Social Withdrawal - not wanting to see people Anxiety - Inability to cope Lethargy / Tiredness - no energy for everyday tasks Sleep Problems - oversleeping and not wanting to get out of bed Overeating - cravings for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain Frequent Illness - due to a weakened immune system Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Loss of libido
What Causes SAD
The exact cause of SAD is still unknown. However most theories centre on light deficiency during the winter months due to the shortening of daylight hours and a lack of sunshine.
Light helps to trigger messages to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps to control mood, sleep and appetite. A lack of exposure to light and problems with certain brain chemicals is thought to prevent the hypothalamus from functioning properly.
It is common for SAD sufferers to have lower levels of a brain chemical called Serotonin. Serotonin helps to transmit messages from nerve cells to the brain and has a role in "lifting the mood". It is thought that the development of Serotonin is affected by exposure to sunlight and therefore a lack of exposure to sunlight will mean that less Serotonin will be produced.
SAD sufferers are likely to respond to a decrease in light by producing more of a chemical called Melatonin during winter than non SAD Sufferers. Melatonin helps to slow down the body clock, affects sleep and alters mood patterns. When sufferers are treated with bright light, their Melatonin levels tend to return to normal. However using light therapy to affect Melatonin levels will not completely cure SAD.
Diagnosis of SAD
A GP will be able to advise you whether the symptoms present, are being caused by SAD. SAD is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms of the condition are very similar to those of other types of depression and other mental health conditions.
One occurrence of the aforementioned symptoms does not automatically mean that you have SAD.
Diagnosis will usually take place when the symptoms have been experienced during the same months (usually winter), followed by the symptoms clearing in the following months (spring), over a period of two or more consecutive years.
Treatment For SAD
Research in recent years has shown that SAD sufferers have responded dramatically to "light therapy". By exposing SAD sufferers to summertime levels of daylight during the winter, it is possible to reduce the negative symptoms of SAD. Research has shown that light therapy works in around 80% of people, and an improvement in symptoms can be achieved in as little as 3 to 5 days.
Light therapy (also known as photo therapy) involves exposure to very bright light for extended periods each day. The aim of light therapy is to stimulate a change in the brain chemicals and hormones that affect the mood.
Light boxes are ideal source for light therapy. A light box gives out a light that is up to 10 times stronger than normal light. The necessary length of exposure depends on the strength of the light box and the recommended daily dose of light for SAD sufferers is 5,000 lux.
Although light boxes are the ultimate source of light for SAD sufferers, functional Daylight Lamps and Daylight Bulbs can also be purchased to enable the user to read, colour match and conduct fine detailed work, whilst exposing the user to increased levels of natural daylight during the darker winter months. This exposure can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of SAD whilst you are working.
Before conducting any light therapy, it is advised that you visit your GP in order to decide which form of light therapy will be best for you.
Light Therapy: a Ray of Hope for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (pmdd) Sufferers?
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
Visit us on facebook:
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
Visit us on facebook:
Significance Of Light Therapy In The Treatment Of Sad
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.
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.