Full Spectrum Seasonal Affective Disorder

Although not recognized by psychiatrists as an official disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is typically diagnosed as a type of depression or bipolar disorder and can lead to profound mental health complications, including suicidal ideation and substance abuse. A popular method of treating SAD symptoms is full spectrum light therapy, which is relatively inexpensive and has no harmful side effects.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

• SAD is typically dependent on the season of the year; areas that are frequently overcast also yield a high percentage of SAD sufferers. Seasonal SAD symptoms may start in fall or early winter and last until spring or summer, although in pervasively overcast areas, SAD symptoms may persist all year. Experts point to disruption of the body's circadian rhythm that occurs due to decreased sunlight; increased melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep and lack of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that is responsive to sunlight. Symptoms of SAD may initially be disregarded and include weight gain, oversleeping and changes in diet, particularly the craving of foods that are high in carbohydrates (including alcohol). As SAD worsens, depression, hopelessness, anxiety and social withdrawal occur. People who live in Northern states (e.g., Alaska, Michigan) or those with pervasive inclement weather (e.g., Washington) are more prone to SAD.

What is Full Spectrum Light?

• Full spectrum light is light that encompasses the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from infrared light to ultraviolet light. Sunlight is full spectrum light. Plants need full spectrum light to grow, and animals and humans need it to thrive. Some lighting products may claim to contain "full spectrum light" bulbs when, in fact, they are not very different from the average light bulb. Therefore, when taking into consideration the issue of full spectrum light to treat SAD, it is extremely important to choose the right lighting product.

About Full Spectrum Light Therapy

• Full spectrum light therapy, more commonly known as "light therapy," involves the purchase of a "light box" that contains a full spectrum bulb. The patient sits close to the box for a designated period of time to simulate exposure to sunlight. This therapy purportedly elevates mood and relieves symptoms of SAD. Light therapy has not been acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an effective treatment for SAD. Additionally, the efficacy of light therapy is not supported by clinical trials. The Mayo Clinic recommends that SAD sufferers first seek consultation with a physician or mental health professional before using light therapy.

How Light Therapy Works

• According to the Mayo Clinic, if light therapy is to have an effect, it is contingent on duration, timing and intensity. When first starting light therapy, short blocks of time, (e.g., 15 minutes) are advised, gradually increasing to between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the intensity of the light box. Light therapy is purportedly most effective when used on rising in the morning, as most SAD sufferers find it difficult to rouse themselves from sleep. Light boxes measure intensity by "lux," or the amount of light received at a certain distance. Light boxes that produce around 10,000 lux require shorter periods of exposure (e.g., 30 minutes); those that produce 2,500 lux may require much longer sessions. For light therapy to be effective, it is recommended that a patient look away from the source of light. Not only does this simulate indirect sunlight, it prevents potential harm to the eyes.

When Light Therapy Isn't Enough

• SAD can lead to serious mental health complications, such as alcohol and drug abuse, suicidal thoughts and profound depression. In many cases, people with SAD will find relief through the use of antidepressant drugs such as Wellbutrin XL, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac or Effexor, all of which are FDA-approved and proven to be clinically effective. Therapy is another way to treat SAD. While SAD is related to biochemical processes that occur in the body, therapy can help patients change thoughts and patterns of behavior that contribute to their condition. Unarguably, the most effective treatment for SAD suffers is relocation to a region with adequate amounts of sunlight.