Depression treatment - Light therapy

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Light therapy (or phototherapy) is an effective treatment for the winter-onset form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During treatment sessions the person with SAD sits in a room containing a 10,000-lux light box. The light is aimed down toward her or his head, initially just for 10 to 15 minutes and later for up to 45 minutes per session. Usually there's one session daily but people with severe cases may need two each day.

It takes about two to four days of phototherapy before the depressed person starts to feel better. It continues until the days start to get longer. Discontinuing light therapy too soon can lead to a relapse. Phototherapy is not the same as sunbathing. Tanning booths have no effect on depression.

Side effects of light therapy are usually very mild -- an occasional headache, some fatigue, or an irritable mood. Cutting back on the length of the phototherapy sessions will typically get rid of these problems.