[prodigiousgamer]

is anybody in this forum currently using light therapy. my psychiatrist is looking at switching my diagnosis from depressino to seasonal affective disorder and he is considering light therapy as a possible treatment. has anybody in here used light therapy and if you have could you please descrive your experiences with this interesting therapy?

[gardenergirl]

I've used light therapy for the past two years now. The first year I just used it seasonally, from Fall through the beginning of summer. I noticed that when I am diligent about doing it everyday, at roughly the same time each morning, I do feel better. This past year I have used it year-round. I think it helps me with my sleep/wake cycle regardless of the season.

I have two different units. One is a full-spectrum 10K lux floor lamp that is by my bedside. I used to use that first thing in the a.m., and I've had no problems with it. It has a dimmer switch and a flexible neck so you can control the light intensity (not precisely) and position.

More recently, I've been using the Apollo Go-lite, which is blue spectrum light. That unit is quite small and portable, and I tend to use that when I travel or if I want to do my therapy while out of bed. I have not noticed a big difference in the effects of the two on my mood and energy level.

If I sit too close or the light intensity is too much for whatever reason, I can get a headache from it. I've also wondered if irritability this year might be a combo of light therapy intensity and my current medications. I'm aware of someone else who experienced an increase in irritability from light therapy, so I've backed down the intensity from 100 percent (on the Go-lite) to 80 percent, and that seems to help. Alternatively, I could decrease the time or increase the distance between the unit and my face.

Good luck if you decide to give it a try. It's non-invasive, and potential adverse effects are minimal compared to some medications. Units can be expensive, but most don't need the really expensive models. If you have insurance, you might investigate whether they would cover all or part of it. Mine didn't despite the letter from my pdoc, but I know of some who would cover it. I've got a list somewhere of internet sellers of units that I can send to you if I can put my hands on it and you are interested.

gg

[faeryduster]

I was Dxed w/ having SAD (seasonal affective disorder) about 4 years ago...and just like clockwork, when this Fall started closing in, so did the looming depression, not wanting to get out of bed on dreary days, etc. Sounds like you can relate. But I got an RX from my pdoc & there is a place in my city where you can go & if you have the right insurance, it's totally covered.
Light therapy is one the most prescribed and proven 100% effective for people w/ SAD. If you're really pressed for a light box, there are ones that you can get at WalMart that have enough UV to work. It helps if you spend a lot of time one the computer like I do, it helps to attach it to something above your PC. (it helps you to make less typo's too! )

The Poohbah has got the exact UV info above, but like I said they have some pretty darn good ones w/ high enough UV at WalMart that are quite cheap!

Good Luck & (((((((hugs!))))))))

[JustAPixie]

[Rapunzel]

I've used light therapy too. I really want one of those go-lites, because maybe I would actually use the thing if I can do it anywhere and don't have to have a large area of a desk or table available. It does help when I do it consistently, especially with my sleep/wake cycle, which tends to be way off, but I think it helps with mood too. It's hard to say what is doing what, as I also use St. John's Wort, and if I have my act together I would be exercising outdoors while the sun is up. But I sabotage myself by skipping all of that stuff.

My T that I was going to when we realized that I had SAD told me that just getting outside and also exercising should be enough and I didn't need to invest in the light box. But in the winter when I need that the most, I don't have the motivation to get outside, and I hate being cold. I know someone who just gets a full-spectrum light bulb and installs it in the floor lamp. He says that works and the light bulb is only $10.

Here's a website about bright light therapy: http://www.brightenyourlife.info/pdf/brighten.pdf I like that this author explains how we just don't get enough light in modern society, and everybody needs more light, and he advocates light for treating any kind of depression, not just SAD.

I have bp I, but despite doing well on my meds I often get depressed in the winter. My doc recommended light therapy. I've been doing it for a couple years now--30 min. a day & I haven't fallen into a winter depression. I got it online through a web site called Northern Lights, I think. It ran about $200.00.

BUT a friend of mine with bp I tried it & it sent her into a mania so I'd be careful if you are bp.

I'm originally from Calif. & now live in Indiana where blue skies & sunshine aren't as prevelant. I could tell a big difference in my mood since moving here due to the gray skies.--Suzy