Treating Depression With Light Therapy
Has there been any development in research using new ways of alternative treatments for the different types of depression? It is said that over the last few years, there has been a great number of diagnosed and treated cases of depression and SAD, seasonal affective disorder alternative medicines and therapies. While looking into cures, a new alternative treatment or therapy has been found for this type of disorder.
Light Therapy is the latest among the alternative treatments for depression. Light Box Therapy is one of the several types of light therapy products being used in the treatment of depression. ‘Light boxes’ are used in Light Therapy treatments. 10,000 lux of artificial light are provided by these light boxes. Light Therapy, which is also referred to as phototherapy, usually consists of exposure to particular wavelengths of light depending how much is being prescribed for a certain amount of time.
Light Therapy is known to be effective on persons who are experiencing seasonal affective disorder. This mood disorder is usually known as winter depression or winter blues. During the winter season this type of depression can be experienced by the patient repeatedly. The feeling of depression can be experienced year after year. On the other hand, aside from seasonal affective disorder, light boxes were proven to help other types of depression as well.
The advantage of light boxes is that they do not cause skin damage compared to a other varieties of light therapies, that use ultraviolet light. We are aware of the damage to the skin with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Blue Light Treatment and light box treatment are associated, although compared to blue light, the light box gives a quicker therapeutic response to the individual who uses it. Also using Blue Light Therapy to treat depression is not an adequate depression treatment for mature patients.
The response to any form of Light Therapy usually will show results in about two to four days, but extensive disorders such as depression may take up to three weeks.