How can S.A.D. be treated?
In many ways, the treatment of SAD is similar to that of other major depressive episodes, utilizing antidepressant or mood stabilizing medication and/or psychotherapy. In addition, the exposure to bright light has been found to be an effective means of treating seasonal affective disorder. The individual sits in front of a bright light unit, a specialized, portable box which houses balanced spectrum fluorescent tubes. An individual’s needs for light therapy specifies the duration of exposure and the optimal time of day. An individual should meet periodically with their health care professional and the dose of light therapy can be adjusted as needed. How the light box works: The light box provides a measured amount of balanced spectrum light equivalent to standing outdoors on a clear spring day. This has been shown to help regulate the body clock. Photobiologists point out that the light is registered by the eyes through the retina, which then transfers impulses to the hypothalamus in t
