Comments on: Light therapy: my doctor says only actual sunlight relieves depression and increases serotonin?

By: Susas

Susas — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:36:58 +0000

He is wrong. You can use lamps.

By: kevin a

kevin a — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:36:58 +0000

Artificial light has been used to treat SAD sufferers, apparently with varied success. I use a serotonin reuptake inhibitor to manage chronic depression, and apart from constipation, I suffer no side effects. Try to find a psychiatrist who is familiar with light therapy and try it- it may work for you. If not antidepressants may help. Constipation is a small price to pay for the relief from depression.

By: freecounselingrocks

freecounselingrocks — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:36:58 +0000

I’m not a doctor, but I am a therapist inside of a mental health hospital. Light therapy is very effective for a lot of people with SAD. However, just like any other health issue it is not 100% effective. I’ve had clients try it, see no results, but get better results from a medication. In my opinion a good doctor is in favor of anything that might help their patient. If you yourself are against taking medication I think trying light therapy is a great first option. If it doesn’t work and your doctor is not open to you trying a medication and/or therapy you may want to get a second opinion.

By: pinkygazoo

pinkygazoo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:36:58 +0000

Hey. I dont have any personal experience, but i have been told by my previos psych that this treatment is useful for SAD. Plus, if money is tight for you, I would be inclined to invest in a good book about SAD and a light for your desktop if I were you(?) I have been thinking about getting a lightbox for ages, as I suffer depression and it is worse in the winter. It hasn’t been confirmed yet as an actual SAD diagnosis, but my psych is looking into it for me. There is a really nice bedside clock one that has a gradual "sunrise" and "sunset" feature. I think it’s worth a try. It can’t do any harm… You can get ones that sit on top of the computer, too, and travel ones… (not that i am a shopaholic or anything…!!)