Light Therapy Treatment for SAD

The human body is a finely tuned system that responds to environmental changes in different ways depending on an individual's body chemistry. There are some who may be highly sensitive to seasonal changes, and suffer as a result. Light therapy is a form of treatment for depression sufferers who are effected by seasonal changes.

Identification

• SAD--also known as seasonal affective disorder--is a form of depression that typically occurs during the winter months, or months where there is reduced daylight. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include a lack of energy, depression, sleepiness and possible weight gain. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) categorizes SAD as a type of major depressive disorder. This classification as a major depressive disorder means the intensity of symptoms impacts a person's ability to carry out their everyday routine. Light therapy treatment is designed to counter the effects of the loss of daylight that occurs during the winter months.

Causes

• Two processes are identified as the cause for seasonal affective disorder--circadian rhythms and melatonin secretions. Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cyclical changes that take place within the body. These cycles take place within the cells and tissues, as well as various process throughout the body. Light and temperature changes directly effect circadian rhythms. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the body that affects sleep cycles. In SAD, melatonin levels are found to be higher than usual. By applying light therapy treatment, both circadian rhythms and melatonin levels are regulated as a result of the increased appearance of what is perceived as daylight by the body.

Light Therapy Boxes

• Light therapy boxes are lamps which emit bright light rays akin to natural outdoor light. These devices are used to treat SAD, as well other forms of depression. The effects of the light are meant to alter a person's circadian rhythms, and reduce the amount of melatonin secreted by the body. These effects are said to incite biological changes in the brain, and so reduce the symptoms experienced with seasonal affective disorder. The light emitted by these boxes is brighter and more focused than outdoor lighting and can be situated anywhere inside the home.

Benefits

• While psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are still viable treatment options for SAD, some dislike the idea of taking medications. Light therapy can be used as an alternative treatment in cases where a person doesn't want to take medication, or in cases where medication treatment proves unsuccessful. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and unable to take antidepressant medications can opt for light therapy treatment instead. Light boxes run anywhere between $30.00 to $150.00, so those without medical insurance, or those unable to access medical treatment may benefit as well.

Warning

• Sun exposure affects different skin types in different ways. The same can be said for the light rays emitted by light box devices. Possible side effects include problems sleeping, headache, fatigue, irritability, and mania. These effects are most likely to occur when first starting out with light therapy, and may decrease over time. And while these side effects are uncommon, they can occur in those who have light-sensitive skin, or suffer adverse reactions to bright light exposure.