SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that percolates into people in the winter months. Though the spread is effective from the month of September, it generally assumes worrying proportions between December-February. The reason is simple. Daylight hours are shorter in winter. In absence of regulars dose of sunlight, the hypothalamus begins to suffer (it is the heat and temperature receptor). This causes feeling of gloom and sadness. This is manifest by people who do everything possible during winter to brighten themselves. They let more light filter through the window, they allow the blinds to be drawn up. They even head south for a vacation. The intention is just to beat the gloom caused by lack of light. Sad light boxes are providing light therapy to cut on such impending feeling of gloom. Light therapy is the standard treatment used for the disorder. It is important though to neatly understand the benefits and demerits of the SAD light therapy.
SAD light boxes are tiny portable devices comprising of fluorescent bulbs and tubes. They are targeted on our open eyes. Such light therapy imitates the outdoor light and hence alters the chemical balance of the brain relieving us of the gloomy depressive feeling. Though Food and Drug Administration has not attested light therapy owing to lack of evidence during clinical trials, the therapy has already been approved by people and therapists who consider it standard treatment for the SAD patients.SAD lights have been considered better than the various anti-depressants in the market. Sad Light Boxes are available at medical counters and prescriptions are not required. It is advisable anyways to consult a physician to find out if you need one at all.
Genetics and age contribute to SAD. It is largely determined by how body manages its internal biological rhythms or keeps it in sync with a 24 hour day. Melatonin, a hormone produced during dark hours is generally attributed with the disorder. In patients, the amount of melatonin secreted becomes higher during winter months and thus the feeling of depression increases. Light therapy through SAD light boxes decrease the production of melatonin and thus suppress the symptom.Light therapy is highly beneficial in many ways and SAD has quickened up as a rage. Few people try antidepressants but find it to be less effective. Further, they complain of side effects and harsh withdrawal symptoms. Some of them also lack insurance coverage for mental health services. Pregnant women subject to such gloom fear taking antidepressants anyways. Light therapy through SAD light boxes have been considered useful in treating other symptoms as well.
Anomalies like compulsive-obsessive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder or postpartum depression are effectively remedied through SAD light. It is important to align to three basic tenets of SAD light therapy. The first one is intensity. Intensity of light measured in Lux should ideally be between 2500 to 10000 lux. 10000 lux generally needs a 30 minutes session to dispel the gloom and is considered typical. Second component is duration which should ideally be between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Light therapy should be a diurnal thing. The last specific is time. It is important that light therapy is practiced during morning just after waking up.