Light Therapy: What is light therapy? How Does Light Therapy Treat Depressions?
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| Light Therapy: What is light therapy? How Does Light Therapy Treat Depressions? |
What is light therapy?
Light therapy is also known as phototherapy, is a treatment in which you are exposed to an artificial source of lights. The therapy primarily treats the major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns (formerly known as the seasonal affective disorder, or SAD). This is a type of depression that occurs during a certain time of year, usually winter. Light is also used to treat other conditions, including sleep disorders and other types of depression.
METHOD
How it works?
Typically, light therapy is meant to compensate for the lack of exposure to sunlight that is thought to be linked to major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. You’ll sit near a light box, which emits strong light. The light usually mimics natural sunlight, but there can be variations. A unit of measure called a lux gauges the amount of light used in a treatment. The standard output of a light box is between 2,500 and 10,000 lux.
Treatments usually begin in the fall and continue until early spring. Sessions commonly last from 10 to 15 minutes. The length of the session depends on how well you handle the treatment and the strength of the lightbox. Someone new to the method may be given shorter initial treatments. The more powerful the lightbox, the shorter the treatment session can be.
Why light therapy is effective is still being studied. One theory is that light naturally triggers the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel-good” brain chemical. Some experts believe that success with light therapy is due to a placebo effect.
Side effects
There are side effects of light therapy, including a headache and sunburn. Usually, these are not serious. Most side effects can be dealt with by adjusting the duration and intensity of the sessions. Other treatments that can alleviate side effects include:
- eye drops
- nasal drops
- sunscreen
- sensitive skin
- eye conditions
- a history of skin cancer
PROS
Pros of light therapy
Light therapy has many positive aspects. The treatment can also be done at home using rented or purchased light boxes.
Light therapy is:
- noninvasive
- safe
- convenient
- associated with few or mild side effects
CONS
Cons of light therapy
The negative aspects of light therapy are the side effects and complications that can occur. These include:
- a headache
- insomnia
- sunburn
- fatigue
- dry eyes and nose
- hypomania, an extended period of heightened mood
EXPERT OPINION
What the expert says?
Dr. Carl Vincent, a psychologist in Moline, Illinois, suggests that light therapy is used with other treatments, such as psychotherapy or a drug regimen.
“The idea is that it could be used as a supplemental therapy,” Vincent says. “In addition to treatment, people suffering from depression in the winter months should try to be more active. Winter is a time when people tend to be more sedentary, and getting more exercise can help improve mood.”
TAKEAWAY
The Takeaway
Light therapy is used to treat the major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, sleep disorders, and other types of depression. It is often effective, though doctors do not know exactly why. It can have a number of side effects, most of which can be effectively alleviated. Talk to your doctor if you feel light therapy might be useful for you.
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