Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy

Winter Depression and Antidepressants, Cognitive and Light Treatment

Sep 15, 2009

There are a variety of treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder, like white light therapy, medication, and cognitive therapy. Winter depression can be helped.

White light boxes for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder (also known as SAD, or winter depression) are available to consumers without a prescription. But it is not recommended that people try to treat themselves for SAD.

People with Seasonal Affective Disorder should be properly diagnosed before deciding on a course of treatment. White light therapy is not the only treatment option for SAD, though it is often the first option. There can be significant risks and side effects of light therapy, depending on the person’s mental and physical health. Light therapy doesn’t work for everyone, and the dose and timing of the dose may have to be tweaked.

Benefits and Side Effects of White Light Therapy

White light therapy has been used for twenty years to treat winter depression and helps 50% to 80% of the people who use this treatment method. Minor side effects include eye irritation and redness that can be resolved by sitting farther away from the lights. A humidifier might also help eliminate side effects from white light therapy. In addition, some people also report nausea and slight agitation when beginning treatment, but this usually subsides.

More serious side effects include retinal damage or manic episodes. Some people are at high risk for these side effects based on their health, mental health, and medications that they take. They should either try a different treatment option or be monitored closely.

Antidepressant Medication Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Some people seeking help for SAD are already on antidepressant medications. If they are receiving some benefit from this, they are sometimes advised to continue the antidepressants while trying light treatment. In some cases, they may be able to eliminate the antidepressant after beginning light treatment.

There is some support in the research for the benefits of combining light therapy with antidepressant medications, according to A.J. Levitt in a paper titled, “Combination of Antidepressants and Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression.” In addition, those with bipolar disorder are sometimes prescribed mood stabilizers during light therapy to prevent the risk of a manic episode.

Using Antidepressants Alone for Treating S.A.D.

There is evidence that Prozac (flouxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) can help alleviate symptoms of winter depression. Several studies show that light therapy and Prozac are equally effective, but white light therapy works faster and sooner. Some studies support the use of Aurorix or Manerix (moclobemide).

Another large study showed that Wellbutrin-XL (bupropion-XL) was helpful in preventing the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Other medications are being studied. This is according to R.W. Lam, in a paper titled, “Evidence-Based Use of Antidepressants for Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

Cognitive Therapy for Treating Seasonal Affective Depression

Cognitive therapy can also help. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious depression and anyone with such a depression should receive the in person advice and care of a qualified mental health professional.

White light therapy can be very effective but does not help everyone with Seasonal Affective Depression and can cause serious side effects in some people. Antidepressants are sometimes used in combination with light treatment or by themselves to alleviate winter depression symptoms. Prozac and Zoloft can help as alternatives to light therapy, and Wellbutrin can prevent symptoms. Therapy, particularly cognitive therapy is recommended. People are advised to seek the advice of a mental health professional.

The copyright of the article Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy in Depression is owned by Lisa C. DeLuca. Permission to republish Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.