Bright Light Therapy May Help Reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder (&M.D.D)

OPINION PIECE
By Chris Sovey, RN, BSN

Bright light therapy is becoming an ever-increasing popular approach to treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), and now research is gaining ground that it may be effective against Major Depressive Disorder (Even, et al., 2007).

In essence, bright light therapy is just as it sounds. A user will sit in front of a powerful lightbox for a determined amount of time. The mechanism behind why this helps mood is rather complicated, but the basic idea behind it is that the light is received by your eyes, and travels along to the brain, which causes neurochemical changes that regulate mood (Even, et al., 2007).

Bright Light Therapy is regarded as "One of the best-studied nonpharmacological biologically oriented treatment approach in psychiatry" (Kasper, 2005). Unfortunately, many providers are rather hesitant to adopt bright light therapy as an effective means of treating depression. If you are uncertain, do more research, then decide. Bright light therapy is regarded as very safe. There are very few side effects, except possible headache and eyestrain upon initial use.

My experience with bright light therapy has been phenomenal. I live in a very cloudy state, and I am 100% convinced that my mood fluctuates in the wintertime. I came across bright light therapy by accident, and I have never looked back. It has helped me immensely during the long winters. I cannot give an exact time duration to use a light box, (you will have to discuss this with your provider...) but I can explain a few important points about Bright Light Therapy.

Most research studies have concluded that 30 minutes of bright light therapy at 10,000 lux is effective against S.A.D. Lux is a measure of illumination per distance, so if you are considering purchasing a lightbox, it is important that the unit is capable of producing 10,000 lux. Never look directly at the light. It is very bright. The great thing about purchasing a lightbox, is that most of them can be reimbursed by insurance. So it would certainly be beneficial to talk to your provider about reimbursement.

Besides the benefit for S.A.D. and M.D.D., light therapy has been shown to be beneficial in addressing sleep cycle disturbances and jet-lag like syndromes (Even, et. al., 2007). Do some research and talk to your healthcare provider about Bright Light Therapy.

EDIT: 4/23/10 - Just to clarify, bright light boxes use fluorescent bulbs. There are no U.V. rays emitted by these units.

References:

Even, C, Schröder, CM, Friedman, S, & Rouillon, F. (2008). Efficacy of light therapy in nonseasonal depression: a systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 108, 11-23.

Kasper, S, Ruhrmann, S, & Schuchardt, HM. (1994). The Effect of light therapy in treatment indication other than seasonal affective disorder (sad). Biologic Effects of Light, 108.

Disclaimer: Most postings on this blog are opinion-based. Information on this blog is not meant to serve as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before implementing any opinions presented on this blog.