Light as Therapy Helps Many with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Monday, February 17, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — It's the dead of winter, and you can't shake the blues. You may be experiencing a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder — SAD.

For about three out of four people suffering from SAD, light therapy has been shown to improve symptoms, according to the February issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Light therapy involves spending specific amounts of time using a specially designed lamp each day. The light that is given off is comparable to outdoor light just after sunrise or just before sunset. Your doctor can help you select the proper light box and instruct you in how much time to use the light each day, from 15 minutes to up to two hours.

Despite the disorder's acronym — SAD — these seasonal bouts of depression may go beyond simply feeling sad. Other symptoms often include loss of energy, anxiety, irritability, headache, increased sleep, diminished interest in sex, cravings for high carbohydrate foods, weight gain from overeating and problems concentrating. Whether mild or severe, SAD is best handled with help from your doctor. In addition to light therapy, treatment may include drugs, some kinds of psychological therapy, stress reduction and relaxation techniques.

Carol Lammers
507-284-5037 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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