Nonseasonal depression
Some10 to 15 million Americans are seriously depressed, and the suicide claims 30,000 lives a year. The success of light therapy in treating SAD has led to studies of its effectiveness for non-seasonal depression-with promising preliminary results.
The relationship Between Light Therapy and Depression
Light therapy is used to treat various depressive and sleep disorders. This therapy is based on light intensity and there are many benefits of light therapy. This intense light triggers off a chemical reaction in the brain’s pineal gland and lessens the transformation of serotonin into the sleep hormone melatonin. Melatonin hormone, made from serotonin, in the absence of light, is in charge of determining sleep cycles. These sleep cycles are also referred to as circadian rhythms, which, when disturbed, led one towards depression, melancholy and sluggishness.
Seasonal changes show physical manifestations in people having received benefits of light therapy
Light therapy and depression have certain effects on the functioning of the human body, which have physical manifestations. The warmer months, like spring and summer, slows the production of melatonin because people are exposed to more natural daylight during these seasons as opposed to wintertime. Fall and winter sees a reverse in pattern as bodies naturally produce more melatonin because of shorter days in the season. This causes mild hibernation in many people. Many people slow down and feel lethargic as a result of the increase of melatonin/decrease in level of serotonin. This is due to energy reserves being used up. Additionally, these low levels of serotonin affect the metabolism and mental state of many people while also disrupting their sleep patterns and circadian clocks.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Archives of General Psychiatry A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1984 Jan;41(1):72-80.
Chronobiology and mood disorders
Chronobiology and Mood Disorders Symposium
Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Vol. 25, no 5, 2000
Benjamin Rusak, PhD
Seasonal affective disorder. A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy. A description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light therapy.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1984 Jan;41(1):72-80.
Light Therapy for SAD
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect
Light Therapy Treatments – Frequently Asked Questions about Light Therapy
“WinterBlues” revised edition, 117-153
Light Therapy – Topic Overview
http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/light-therapy-topic-overview
Light Up the Blues – Light Therapy for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46769
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