Bright light has been used for years to treat a mood disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD affects many people in winter, especially in northern latitudes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD is caused by normal body rhythms getting out of synchronization with the sun. Body rhythms are affected by winter's late dawn and early dusk, accounting for 65% of SAD symptoms. The symptoms of SAD closely resemble those of depression: lethargy, pessimism, carbohydrate cravings that lead to weight gain, and irritability.
Treatment of SAD is performed by the use of special lamps or "light boxes," which provide much more intense light than traditional incandescent light. The light used is white and blue full spectrum light. Even when there is adequate sunlight, people can be at risk for SAD because most people spend less than one hour per day outside. The treatment consists of sitting in front of the light source with open eyes, but not staring at the light. The light is normally used in sessions of 30-60 minutes, usually in the morning. Light therapy is often performed with melatonin and other therapies, such as the use of anti-depressants and cognitive therapy.
The University of South Carolina has studied the use of light therapy for anxiety, which often accompanies depression and has a similar biochemistry. Therefore, this study carefully screened applicants by using clinical psychologists and questionnaires to exclude applicants who were depressed.
There are sometimes mild side effects to light therapy, such as headaches; also, some people discontinue treatment because they think it is inconvenient. However, light therapy has been proven effective and considered a standard and effective treatment for seasonal mood disorders.
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