Bright Light Therapy for Adolescent Depression

Introduction:

Dealing with depression can be tough, but remember, you're not alone. Small steps can make a big difference. Let’s explore how light therapy can be a part of your journey to feeling better.

What Is Light Therapy?

Ever heard of light therapy? It's also called phototherapy, and it involves hanging out near a special lamp for about 30 minutes each day. Think of it as soaking up some artificial sunshine! Various types of light therapies are utilized to treat various conditions like sleep disorders and depression. Light therapy is most used to treat seasonal affective disorder.

How Does Light Therapy Work?

Are you curious how could sitting near a lamp help treat depression? Here is how it works-

• It aligns your biological clock with a 24-hour cycle pattern.

• Improve the balance in the neurotransmitters. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

• It helps to maintain consistent sleep patterns.

• It improves energy levels.

How to Use Light Therapy?

The lightbox used for light therapy simulates natural sunlight. The light emitted by a lightbox usually ranges between 2500 to 10,000 lux. It is the measurement of the brightness of the light.

When are you supposed to use light therapy? You can usually begin this treatment in the winter months and continue till the start of spring. The traditional light therapy recommends using the light therapy for 30 minutes at 10,000 lux every morning. The duration of therapy depends on the strength of the light.

How Long Does It Take for Light Therapy to Work for Depression?

Generally, SAD symptoms improve in a few days or a few weeks with light therapy. If you do not feel any improvements in your symptoms, you can increase the session timing from 30 minutes to sixty minutes. Still, if there is no improvement, discuss it with your doctor.

If you feel better, consider changing the timing and duration of the light therapy. You can reduce the timing to 15 minutes and change the therapy session to sometime during the day. You can even consider skipping the treatment for a day or two. However, most individuals with SAD will continue using light therapy throughout winter. This is because it reduces the recurrence of symptoms.

Starting Light Therapy at Home: Before you begin the light therapy, did you discuss it with a physician? It is necessary because this may interact with other forms of treatment you are on currently.

After your doctor's green signal, you start by reading the instructions given with the lightbox. It helps to understand the risks particular to that brand.

The steps to follow while using a light box that has 10,000 lux include -

• Position the lightbox on an even plane.

• You can either sit or stand at a specific distance as advised in the manual.

• Do not close your eyes.

• Avoid sleeping during the session.

• Do not look straight into the lightbox.

• You can begin with 30 minutes of exposure.

• Plan to take your light therapy session as soon as you wake up. It can be anywhere between six and nine in the morning.

• You can change the session timing and duration depending on the improvement in symptoms you have.

• You can relax yourself by reading or doing other activities that interest you during therapy.

What Is So Great About Light Therapy for Depression?

The main benefit of light therapy is that it treats depression without causing any major side effects. It improves the condition in a time less than required by traditional treatments. It improves your mood and decreases depressive symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Light Therapy?

Like any treatment, light therapy can have some side effects, though most are mild and manageable. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here’s when you should avoid light therapy

• Any medical condition that makes your eyes reactive to light.

• If you are taking any medications that increase your sensitivity to light.

• If you have any photosensitive condition like systemic lupus erythematosus.

• Cataract.

• Glaucoma.

• Retinopathy.

If you do not have any of the conditions mentioned above, then you are the right candidate for light therapy.

Now, let's talk about potential side effects. Some people might experience a few side effects, but the good news is these are usually mild and temporary.

• Headache.

• Nausea.

• Eyestrains.

• Tiredness.

• Blurred vision.

• Disturbances with sleep.

• Agitation.

However, a few side effects can be handled by varying the time frame, intensity, and timing of the therapy session.

What Are the Pros and cons of light therapy?

First, let us discuss the pros of light therapy for depression and anxiety-

• Easily Available: You can do this therapy at home in your comfortable timings with your own or rented lightbox.

• Non-invasive: It is used as an alternative treatment or along with other forms of treatment.

• Safe: It is safe to use and does not pose any risks.

• Linked with Mild Side Effects: It does not cause any major side effects. Mild side effects can be managed by making simple changes in the way you use Lightbox.

So, are you thinking what could be the cons of light therapy for depression? Here they are-

• Time-consuming: Improvement with light therapy will take time.

• You will not get it covered under insurance. Even if your treating doctor has recommended it for you.

• To get the desired result, you need to be consistent on the day and time you use it.

Expert Opinions and Research Findings

How can we confirm the effectiveness of light therapy in treating depression? We can confirm it by various studies that are being conducted to highlight the effectiveness of bright light therapy. Here are some key findings -

• A new study found light therapy is effective in improving depressive symptoms and increasing attention and alertness.

• Another study was conducted to determine its efficacy in major depressive disorder patients. The study revealed that it is equally effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving sleep in those individuals.

• A recent study showed its efficacy in treating depression after giving birth in mothers.

• A more recent study suggests that light therapy is effective in managing depressive symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients.

Do you know light therapy can help manage other conditions as well? Yes, while the majority of the studies showed the effect of light therapy on various types of depression, many other illnesses can get better with light therapy. They are -

• Bipolar disorder.

• Type 2 diabetes.

• Osteoporosis.

• Dry eyes.

• Asthma.

Conclusion:

Depression is a mental health illness that affects your ability to perform your daily activities. It makes you feel low and sad. Light therapy is one of the treatment options that helps to cure depression. It helps relieve depressive symptoms and improves your mood. Other than depression, depression light or light therapy helps to manage asthma, osteoporosis, and many other diseases.

Key Takeaway/ Note from iCliniq:

Depression has become common worldwide. It affects your mood and prevents you from doing your daily activities. Think you might be experiencing depression? It's always a good idea to chat with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and explore the best treatment options for you Treatment includes various options. Light therapy for mental health illness is used as an alternative treatment or along with other medications.