The term 'light therapy' has long been associated with the form of depression that is related to the different seasons known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Those affected by SAD will typically report symptoms of the condition as beginning during the Autumn and then later in Spring starting to ease off again.
Traditional Light Therapy and Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment
The traditional form of bright light therapy involves sitting in front of a light box which contains high intensity light known as full spectrum daylight. Sufferers will typically use the light box for approximately two hours each day and this is believed to help relieve symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder.
Light boxes are usually easy to obtain from major pharmacies or from online retailers. They also are available in small easily portable sizes so as to fit on one's office desk or in larger sizes for use at home.
Coloured Light Therapy
Another form of light therapy which was first used in the 19th Century in America, is coloured light therapy. However, this approach still requires much research as there have not been anywhere as many studies undertaken with coloured light therapy as there have been with bright light therapy.
This therapy is also used for conditions other than seasonal affective disorder.
Coloured Strobe Light Therapy
It's recommended that coloured strobe light therapy, unlike other forms of light therapy, should only be conducted by a health professional such as a specially trained therapist or doctor. This form of light therapy is used within the field of psychotherapy, to enhance learning abilities in those suffering from learning difficulties and in enhancing one's vision.
However, coloured strobe light therapy is not typically recommended in the treatment of those suffering from seasonal affective disorder. The necessity of having a trained health professional present means that it is not cost effective, nor is it practical. Other forms of light therapy are more effective and practical, as they can be undertaken in the patient's home.
Colour Therapy and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Colour therapy has also been identified as a form of therapy which would certainly benefit from more research studies into how this approach may be effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. At the core of this therapy is the belief that specific types of colours affect the individual in varying ways.
Blue is associated with calmness and may is identified as helping reduce blood pressure while red is believed to have a stimulating effect in preparing the nervous system for action.
As highlighted above, several different approaches to light therapy exist, however, there is clearly a lack of research based evidence to support the effectiveness of alternatives to the more traditional form of bright light therapy.
Source:
Marshall, F. & Cheevers, P. (2002) Coping With SAD London: Sheldon Press.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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