You can sit or work near the light box during light therapy for depression

Light therapy for depression

The light therapy is a way to treat depression , exposure to artificial light. Seasonal disorder  is a type of depression that occurs at a particular time each year, usually in the season of autumn or winter. During light therapy, you sit or work near a device for light therapy called a light box therapy. The box emits a light that simulates natural light outdoors. The light therapy is believed to affect brain chemicals associated with mood, help SAD symptoms. Using a window of light therapy can also help others with depression, sleep disorders and certain other conditions. The light therapy is also known as light therapy or phototherapy.

In 1984, a psychiatrist at the NIMH, Norman Rosenthal, published an article on the use of light therapy in patients with this disorder. Since then, many well-designed studies have confirmed and clarified these results. Researchers continue to investigate the way in which bright light can get out of a depression or reset a sleep cycle. One theory is that brain area near the visual pathway, the suprachiasmatic nucleus responds to light by sending a signal to suppress the secretion of a hormone called melatonin. Studies suggest that the function of serotonin neurons in the brain leads to the suprachiasmatic nucleus value. Initial theories suggested a route from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. However, recent research has shown that bright light applied to the back of the knee of a person can alter circadian rhythms. (Journal of the sleep-wake cycle).

It is always a good idea to talk with a doctor before light therapy begins . But it is particularly important to consult your doctor if:

You have an illness that makes your skin sensitive to light, such as in condition of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) .

You are taking drugs that enhance your sensitivity to sunlight, such as some specific antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and in some herbal supplement . You have a disorder of the eye that makes your eyes vulnerable to damage . Have a history of skin cancer .

• Ultraviolet light.

Therapy boxes of light , even light are designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) can some do not filter everything. This type of light can cause skin and eye damage. Look for a box of light therapy that emits UV rays little as possible.

• Tanning beds : No alternative to light therapy.

Some argue that the bed to help relieve the symptoms of depression. But this has not been proven . Visible light, ultraviolet light is not exempt from the sun, in the use of light therapy. Kind of free sun light can damage the skin and can increase the danger of cancer of skin .

• Precautions in bipolar disorder and major depression.

Light therapy can trigger mania in some patients with bipolar disorder. In addition, there have been some cases where treatment with the light seems to cause suicidal thoughts. If you have any doubts about how light therapy can affect your mood or thoughts, seek help immediately.

General recommendation for most people of depression to treatment with light therapy in early autumn. Therapy generally continues until spring, when the external light is not sufficient to maintain a good mood and higher energy. Some people experience a mood disorder in the summer vacation. And others, who are usually the winter depressive symptoms can be detected during prolonged cloudy or rainy during the other seasons. You and your doctor may adjust the light therapy box is based on the timing and duration of symptoms. If you want to try light therapy for seasonal depression or other condition, talk to your doctor about how light therapy can be effective.

In light therapy sessions to work or sit by the window light. To be effective, lightweight, light box to enter your eyes indirectly. You can not get the same effect, only exposes the skin to the sun. Even if your eyes are open, do not look directly at the light box because the light can damage your eyes. Light therapy sessions are usually made in the morning when you wake up. Some of the boxes, light therapy, dawn simulators, however ,they are on top of the morning, while you’re still asleep and gradually lighter until the next morning.

The light therapy is most effective when you have the right combination of duration, timing and brightness:

• Length . When you start light therapy, your doctor may recommend treatment for a shorter block of time such as 15 minutes. You can work up a little bit more. In the end, light therapy is usually active during the period from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the intensity of a light box.

• Timing . Most light therapy is most effective when done early in the morning when he wakes up. Doing light therapy at night can disrupt sleep. Since light therapy seems to work best early in the morning, you may need to wake up earlier than normal to get the most benefit from treatment. Your doctor can help you find a program that light therapy works best.

• Intensity . The light box intensity  is recorded in lux, which measures the amount of light you get a certain distance from the source of light. light boxes, light therapy generally produces  2500 to 10000 lux . Intensity of light striking the window in what distance  you sit , time duration  you require to use it.The  10 000 lux boxes generally require a  1/2 an hour or 30 minute sessions, while 2500 lux boxes can require  sessions of two hours.

Finding time for light therapy: Light therapy needs time and consistency. You could be tempted to skip sessions, or stop altogether because you do not want to spend time sitting at a light box. But light therapy should not be boring. It may be time well spent. You may adjust your light box on a table or desk in  home or office. You can read, use computers, write, watch TV, talk on the phone or eating while  you are undergoing light therapy. A small light boxes are available as visors, you may wear, although its effectiveness is unproven.


Side effects

Potential adverse effects of light therapy are very rare and usually have tension, a feeling of eyestrain and headaches. Light therapy as antidepressant drugs is sometimes cause someone to switch to a manic state. There was a debate about whether there might have long-term effects of the retina, but none have been documented when lights with proper screening of UV wavelengths used. Individuals and certain medications such as lithium, tricyclic antidepressants and neuroleptics and individuals with diseases such as diabetes or retinal degeneration should be monitored by an ophthalmologist. Since this form of treatment is relatively new, many doctors recommend an eye examination and a basic annual monitoring.