Your guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder

Sufferers of seasonal affective disorder have found relief successfully through the use of light therapy that closely mimics the natural light given off from the sun. Physicians and researchers tend to agree that the reason this method works so well is because of the inclination of the human brain to release certain “feel good” chemicals into the body when the eyes are exposed to the sun for regular intervals, most often daily.

Conventional household lighting will not suffice for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder because it lacks the sufficient intensity and luminance to be effective.

The luminance intensity of light is referred to as lux. Lux is the measure of how luminescent light is. A fluorescent bulb’s lux is a good indicator of whether or not it will be useful for the purpose of treating seasonal affective disorder with light therapy.

There are several recommended dimensions to gauge accurate dosing by and light intensity is only one of them, though when using light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder a relatively high intensity is typically needed to mimic the natural light given off by the sun.

The light intensity, or lux, recommended for light treatment is between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. This is the equivalent of an early morning to mid morning light. Comparatively, conventional household light bulbs emit approximately 50 to 300 lux.

Other means of gauging light dosing levels are light duration and the time of day of exposure.The time of day of exposure refers to the affect that light has on the human body in regards to what time of day it is exposed. For instance, the human circadian rhythm is affected by the manner of sunlight that is emitted during separate parts of the day. This makes sense, since early humans would set their entire schedule around the cycle of the Earth and the Sun by becoming energetic during morning light and increasingly calm as the sun sets. This time of day exposure can be used to manipulate and stave off the symptoms caused by seasonal affective disorder, particularly when a majority of the cause is from staying indoors too much.

Finally, light duration – the amount of time exposed to the light therapy or natural sunlight – is an important facet to consider during treatment for seasonal affective disorder. The current standard is generally 30 minute sessions of 10,000 lux. As expected, more time would be needed for less intensity.

Seasonal affective disorder can be treated in a number of ways. Many opt for prescription drugs or psychotherapy for relief, but others that are plagued with the affliction seek a more natural method of treatment in light therapy. Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder is generally done in the home under no direct physician supervision. The patient sits or stands in the direct path of a bright light emitted from a light box that houses powerful fluorescent light bulbs. The light given off from the light box is so powerful and close to natural sunlight that it helps the seasonal affective disorder sufferer’s brain release natural chemicals such as melatonin that will elevate mood and overcome the depressive symptoms of SAD.

As you may expect, there are several models of light boxes available that are specifically manufactured for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. While price may be a main factor in the search there are other factors that must be considered:

• Ultraviolet light exposure – Look for light boxes that either shield emitted UV rays or simply do not expose the user to UV rays.
• Blue light exposure – Blue light exists at the far end of the light spectrum and should be avoided as much as possible due to its unwanted affects on the eyes and eyesight.
• Light intensity – Optimum intensity is usually around 10,000 lux. Look for a light box that can deliver this recommended dosage at more than just a couple of inches so that you can remain comfortable while using the light box.
• Size – Be sure to buy a light box that is the appropriate size to the area in which you will be using it.
• Light direction – Light therapy boxes should broadcast the light from above the eyes and from no other direction, thoroughly mimicking the direction of the sun

Light boxes for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder can typically be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription from a doctor. While they may be easier to find online, finding several in a store will give the SAD sufferer the opportunity to more closely inspect the light box to ensure that it may suit their needs.

Persons with SAD should consult their physician before starting a light therapy regimen. Some possible side effects include irritability, fatigue, eyestrain, headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, agitation, and nausea. Side effects typically subside quickly after discontinuation of the treatment.

In their search to stave off the harsh symptoms of seasonal affective disorder treatment every year, many sufferers turn to prescription medication as well as the more common light therapy. Since the disorder primarily only affects the person during the winter months, when days are notably shorter in length and much more time is spent indoors, the medication schedule is typically cyclical as well. Most sufferers find that they only have to take prescription medication for about half the year or less.

The first prescription medication to be specifically approved for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder is Wellbutrin XL, or bupropion hydrochloride extended release. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an aminoketone-class anti-depressive medication that is typically prescribed to patients as a treatment for depression, anxiety, and even smoking-cessation.

A double-blind clinical trial was conducted by Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Wellbutrin’s manufacturer. Over 1,000 trial volunteers that are afflicted with seasonal affective disorder were given either Wellbutrin XL or a placebo starting in the late autumn or early winter months, the time frame at which SAD syndrome typically kicks in. The selection process was entirely random and the treatment was halted in the spring, when symptoms typically dissipate. Out of the Wellbutrin XL users, almost 85% reported no depression compared to only around 70% of placebo users.

Another common type of medication prescribed for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder is that of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs are most commonly used to treat various types of depression and anxiety disorders so their use in treating seasonal affective disorder is not surprising. The most common SSRIs used to treat SAD syndrome are Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), and Prozac (fluoxetine).

Side effects with anti-depressants are not rare and in some cases have been known to become as consuming to the individual as the original condition being treated. Side effects of Wellbutrin XL include, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, sweating, hypertension, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, tremors, loss of appetite, and increased risk of seizure.

Treating seasonal affective disorder with medication is favored among most physicians and researchers as long as other methods such as light therapy are employed and the medicinal regimen is thoroughly monitored and regulated under the careful guidance of a physician. The multi-faceted approach utilized by most physicians comfortable with the condition of prescribing antidepressive medication plus exercise and light treatments has proven exceptionally successful in a number of seasonal affective disorder sufferers.

Persons suffering from seasonal affective disorder are at a greater risk of having a very difficult time of waking in the morning. Many SAD sufferers have reported that increased light in their bedroom that appears just before their alarm goes off can help a great deal in waking them smoothly and more effectively.

Devices that are typically used for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder such as light boxes can be set to timers so that they are turned on just before the alarm sounds, but this method can provide for a jolting experience at times, particularly for a spouse who doesn’t suffer from SAD.

A more gentle method improvised for seasonal affective disorder sufferers is one of an alarm clock with a built in “dawn simulation lamp.” The simulation lamp is built right into the alarm clock. At a set time before the alarm is to sound, the light turns itself on gently and begins to brighten slowly, simulating a sunrise. At a certain point, which is preset by the SAD-sufferer the night before, the alarm will then sound. This method has been proven to be extremely successful at waking even the groggiest of seasonal affective disorder suffers in the morning and it makes for a more peaceful morning for their spouses as well.

The seasonal affective disorder sunrise alarm clock method works so well because it performs in conjunction with the body’s natural biorhythmic patterns. For centuries, humans have awakened with the sun and not by the measurement of time. The human body continues to be instinctively acclimated to this behavior. While most modern humans have adapted to overcome this instinctual habit, it is often much more difficult for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder to do so. If the body’s surroundings are still very dark at the time when the SAD sufferers wishes to wake up, their body will continue to believe that it is time to sleep. Since the sun rises much later in winter months than in the summer, it is really no surprise that people with seasonal affective disorder can have such a hard time adjusting.

The human eye can detect light even when the eyelids are shut. The seasonal affective disorder sunrise alarm clock method of waking works so well because the afflicted person’s eyes sense that the “sun” is rising when the light comes on. This causes the brain to send signals to the rest of the body which begins the chain reaction that results in a natural, peaceful wake from sleep as opposed to just a jarring alarm noise.

The sunrise alarm clock method overcomes the biorhythmic confusion by allowing the seasonal affective disorder sufferers body to “think” that it is really daylight, even when it is still very dark outside.

Since people that suffer from seasonal affective disorder can become quite debilitated from their affliction, prescribed treatments must be used diligently for them to remain affective. Not all seasonal affective disorder treatments come in the form of pills, however. Many physicians and researchers have harnessed the power of light to successfully soothe the symptoms that plague persons with seasonal affective disorder and report great success.Light therapy is currently not FDA-approved for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder or any of its associated symptoms.

This is mostly due to a lack of usable evidence that would be presented with a fair share of independent, double-blind clinical trials. Unfortunately, at this time pharmaceutical companies are more interested in receiving FDA approval for prescription drugs than light therapy. So the lack of FDA approval for seasonal affective disorder light therapy is no indication of its efficacy. In fact, most mental health professionals that deal with SAD consider light therapy to be standard protocol for treatment.

Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder generally consists of utilizing a light box which houses bright fluorescent lights. These lights are much more powerful than conventional household lighting and more closely mimic that of natural sunlight so contemporary household lamps will not work for the purpose of treating seasonal affective disorder patients. The light that shines from a SAD treatment light box mimics the sun so closely that human brain chemicals such as melatonin react to it in a positive manner that can diminish seasonal affective disorder symptoms. It works in such a way that the symptoms of SAD caused by the relative lack of bright light of winter are overcome by the brain’s natural reactions and ultimate chemical releases caused by warmer, brighter weather. The desired end result for the seasonal affective disorder sufferer is elevated moods and a general sense of peace and well being.

Other benefits of light therapy for seasonal affective disorder sufferers are numerous. By far, the most popular reason to opt for light therapy is that of a hesitation or outright dislike of antidepressants. Many people cannot handle or would just rather live without the side effects that can come with taking antidepressants. Additionally, many SAD sufferers would rather not take part in psychotherapy sessions and would rather monitor and control their own process. Light therapy generally gives the patient a sense of control over their own treatment and progress. Furthermore, pregnant women are more likely to use light therapy because of the possible harm that can occur to the fetus as a result of taking drugs. Finally, money will always be a factor in deciding which treatments a person will opt for when treating their seasonal affective disorder, particularly because treatments for the condition generally must continue indefinitely.

Seasonal affective disorder affects over 10 million Americans and is a serious, often debilitating medical condition that can leave those that suffer from it incapacitated from depression, chronic lethargy, and other serious symptoms. A similar phenomenon is frequently called the “winter blues” or even sometimes known as the “post-holiday blues.” Though these “blues” conditions affect millions more people than that of seasonal affective disorder, the severity of the conditions vary greatly.

Seasonal affective disorder victims start showing serious signs of distress as early in the cooler months as mind autumn. The seasonal affective disorder period can be as long as six months and can last until March, when spring arrives. The condition arises from an offset of chemicals that are naturally released by the brain as a result of being exposed to natural light, particularly sunlight. The seasonal affective disorder sufferer can experience a variety of symptoms such as sever weight fluctuation, depression, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, and feelings of suicide. Because of its severity, many physicians and researchers often recommend strong anti-depressants to seasonal affective disorder sufferers for mood stabilization.

The “blues,” particularly “post-holiday blues” are most often attributed to the absence of an immediate event to look forward to following the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve celebrations that have just passed. Persons who have these blues may suddenly feel “dropped” into the new year with nothing to look forward to, especially when compared to the hustle and bustle experienced throughout the holiday rush. These cases of the blues almost never require any treatment other than a healthy dose of time and separation from the end of the holidays. As the winter rolls on, it is quite normal for those susceptible to the “post-holiday blues” to continue on with the more broadly termed “winter blues,” though both afflictions are very similar in nature.

As with the “post-holiday blues,” the “winter blues” are very temporary and usually easily treated with exercise, happier thoughts, and time used to get the sufferer’s mind off his/her depressed state.

While the two may seem an awful lot alike to the bystander, the seasonal affliction disorder sufferer dealing with years of SAD with seemingly no control over their behavior and thoughts would agree that they are very largely separate conditions, even though they seem much the same on the outside. If someone suspects that they have seasonal affective disorder, they should seek immediate medical help and professional treatment options immediately.

Though physicians and researchers have presented numerous and varied treatment solutions for seasonal affective disorder sufferers, sometimes the seemingly simplest solutions offer the most relief. Light therapy has been used to treat seasonal affective disorder sufferers successfully for years. The principle behind the treatment is that the light therapy is powerful enough that it mimics the natural light given off by the sun, therefore offsetting the lack of sunlight and increased time indoors. The brain, once exposed to this bright light, releases chemicals such as melatonin that impose feelings of well-being and naturally elevate patients’ moods.

Light therapy used for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder has traditionally been implemented through the use of a light box. The SAD sufferer is forced to take hours out of his or her day to fix their gaze almost directly at the light source in order to treat their symptoms.

Fortunately, the innovation has come along so that an adequate light source that closely mimics that of natural sunlight can be affixed to the brim of a visor to be worn by the seasonal affective disorder sufferer. The placement of the bulb ensures that the direction of the light is appropriate and remains fixed above the eyes. One drawback of the more conventional light box is that of placement – proper placement is crucial to the success of the treatment so light that originates from below, from directly in front of, or from the sides of the eyes is not effective at mimicking natural sunlight.

It is important to remember that seasonal affective disorder light therapy fluorescent bulbs and tubes should not give off UV rays or should properly shield the eyes from UV rays. Additionally, conventional household lights do not supply adequate light for seasonal affective disorder light therapy to be affective. Finally, the more traditional method of light therapy - the light box – requires the user to remain stationary and stare straight forward during the treatment period.

The light visor is the solution to all of these concerns. Light visors manufactured for the specific purpose of treating seasonal affective disorder should not emit dangerous UV rays. Secondly, the fluorescent bulbs that come with the visor are capable of exerting enough energy to thoroughly mimic natural daylight, giving the treatment a much higher chance of being successful. Finally, since the light visor is worn, seasonal affective disorder sufferers can move about freely during their light therapy treatment and even conduct other tasks that are not obstructive.

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