Seasonal affective disorder: Treatment with light therapy
The benefits of light therapy
Light therapy offers many potential benefits for people with seasonal affective disorder. It may be helpful for you if:
- You don't want to take medications such as antidepressants.
- You can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants.
- You've tried antidepressants but they haven't been effective.
- You want an alternative to psychotherapy.
- You're pregnant and concerned about the effects of antidepressants on your developing fetus.
- You lack insurance coverage for mental health services.
Treating other disorders
Light therapy may be helpful in treating conditions other than seasonal affective disorder. However, it shouldn't be a substitute for standard treatment. And keep in mind that little research has been done using light therapy for other disorders. These other disorders may include:
- Depression other than seasonal affective disorder.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
- Postpartum depression.
- Some forms of insomnia.
Drawbacks and side effects of light therapy
Light therapy isn't for everyone, nor is it always completely effective in reducing all of your symptoms.
Cautions
Light therapy may trigger episodes of mania in people with bipolar disorder. In addition, although rare, some people, particularly those with severe forms of depression, have reported thoughts of suicide after treatment with light therapy. Light therapy alone may not be fully effective. You still may need treatment with medications or psychotherapy.
Side effects
Side effects from light therapy are uncommon but can happen. They include:
- Eyestrain
- Headache
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Sleep disruptions
You may be able to manage these problems by reducing treatment time, moving farther from the light box, taking breaks during long sessions or changing the time of day you use light therapy. Talk to your doctor for additional help and advice.
Who shouldn't use light therapy
Don't use light therapy without consulting your doctor first if:
- Your skin is sensitive to light.
- You take medications that react with sunlight, such as certain antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
- You have an eye condition that makes your eyes vulnerable to light damage.
Sticking with it
With appropriate light therapy, you may start to feel better within several days. In some cases, though, it can take two or more weeks. Sticking to a consistent daily routine of light therapy sessions can help ensure that you maintain those benefits over time. If you interrupt light therapy during the winter months or stop too soon in the spring when you think you're improving, your symptoms could return.
|
|
