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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on September 6, 1999, at 22:15:01
I was just reading some online journal abstracts about cyclothymia and dysthymia, and one article suggests that bright light therapy is helpful to prevent recurrence of depression in non-seasonal affective disorders. Anyone out there ever use a light box or visor? What effects did it have?
Posted by Dee on September 6, 1999, at 22:30:54
In reply to Light Therapy, posted by Noa on September 6, 1999, at 22:15:01
I'm from Finland (well I live in NYC) way up north, and there are regions in my country where it is dark for months in the winter. The focus on socialiced medicine there is quite different there, and the main emphasis is on preventive health care. Light treatment is pretty much routine there, they have a light therapy room in almost every local 'health center'.
(Health centers are small installations with small staff, in rural areas just a nurse and the doctor visiting every Wednesday). The connection between exposure and sunlight is well recognized.I did hear a radio program a few years ago in WBAI NY, about how one can help depression by exposure to full spectrun light. It mentioned that it is the amount of full spectrum light received through the eye is what matters.
I've been wondering aboutthat, by the way. I am wearing contact lenses from morning to night, and I hardly ever see daylight without wearing them. I know that window glass filters out UV radiation, I wonder if my contacts are doing the same thing. Anyone got any ideas about this?
Dee
Posted by JohnL on September 7, 1999, at 5:24:59
In reply to Light Therapy, posted by Noa on September 6, 1999, at 22:15:01
Hi Noa. I live in Maine with long dreary winters. I have used a serious light for 3 years. It is a 1000watt metal halide, a full spectrum light popular with folks who like "homegrown" houseplants if you know what I mean. It is in my living room in plain view so anyone can see it is legit. I turn it on first thing out of bed and sit right under it for about 30 minutes sipping coffee. Believe me, it is BRIGHT to the eyes. The light escaping through the draperies looks like the house is on fire to a passer-by. It does cheer things up during those long stretches of winter where sometimes we don't see the sun for a week or more. But I must say it does no good for my depression. Matter of fact, my depression is worse sometimes in the middle of summer. So for me, light therapy is worthless on depression. But I have discovered I can grow anything from cactus to pepper plants to roses right in my living room, which is very impressive during a blizzard. Sadly, in this living room that looks like Hawaii, the depression goes on. JohnL.
Posted by Janice on September 8, 1999, at 0:00:26
In reply to Re: Light Therapy, posted by JohnL on September 7, 1999, at 5:24:59
Hi Noa, It's Janice from you're cyclothymia posting. I use both a dawn simulator and a light visor.They work better than any AD has for me. I also have pretty severe SAD. I notice my cyclothymia is also definately better in the summer due, I believe, to the bright light in the sky. they're expensive. See if you can borrow one from a doctor's office to see if it can help you. Good luck, Janice
Posted by Elaine on September 14, 1999, at 0:20:22
In reply to Light Therapy, posted by Noa on September 6, 1999, at 22:15:01
I'm from Washington state where we have VERY dreary winters. Until this past week we have had a rather poor summer, as well, making me consider the use of light therapy. However...although I understand somewhat how the light works on SAD, how about the lack of BLUE SKY? The lack of blue sky seems to bother me as much as anything. While a light box may replace some missing light, wouldn't a large component of SAD also involve the general dreariness of clouds, rain and simply looking outside and seeing darkness for so much of the day and week? Perhaps that's why JohnL gets little benefit from light therapy? Perhaps I don't know enough about this...
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