January 16, 2009
Has there been any development, such as using alternative therapies, in researching new ways of treating different types of depression? It has been said that over the last few years, many cases of depression and SAD, seasonal affective disorder, have been treated, with 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 for depression has become one of the favorite light therapy products used for this disorder. Light Therapy makes use of ‘light boxes’. 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. Winter depression or winter blues, is what this form of mood disorder is usually known as. During the winter season this type of depression can be experienced by the patient repeatedly. Many experience the feeling of depression 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. However, it has been found that Blue Light Therapy to treat depression is not an adequate depression treatment for mature patients.
Extensive disorders such as SAD and depression may take up to three weeks for any results to show, using any form of Light Therapy.