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Daylight Lamp for Depression

Doctors recommend light therapy for certain types of depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as well as some other mental health conditions. The Mayo Clinic states that while light therapy has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the depression, many health care practitioners consider it the most effective treatment for SAD.

  1. Daylight Lamp

    • Daylight lamps for depression mimic natural light. They are available without a prescription from many drugstores, medical supply stores, and Internet retailers. Health care providers can advise patients about the best model to buy.

    Uses

    • The Mayo Clinic suggests that people may want to try a daylight lamp for depression if they wish to avoid antidepressants, if they are bothered by the side effects of antidepressants, or if they cannot take antidepressants because they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients who have not improved with antidepressant therapy may also want to try light therapy.

    Light Therapy

    • Doctors usually recommend patients use a daylight lamp for depression first thing in the morning. Patients generally use the lamp for 30 minutes to two hours each day.

    Results

    • Patients often experience results in as few as four days, but it may take up to three weeks to get the full benefit from light therapy. If symptoms do not improve, patients should discuss other forms of treatment with their doctors.

    Side Effects

    • Few side effects occur when patients use light therapy. Common side effects include agitation, eyestrain, headaches, nausea and sweating.

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