Seasonal Affective Disorder 101 – SAD Guide

Nov 8, 2010
Kate Le Page

Light Therapy Treatment for SAD - mysid

Learn how to treat seasonal affective disorder with light therapy. Key information for SAD sufferers seeking seasonal affective disorder treatment.

During the shorter days of winter, some people may suffer due to a lack of exposure to sufficient amounts of sunlight. As the clocks have recently changed, now is the time that sufferers of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) need to start using a light box to receive light therapy.

Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

For those who have only recently been diagnosed with SAD, or believe they may have the condition, here are a few articles to provide an overview of this depression-related illness:

Treating SAD with Light Therapy

One of the most effective ways in which SAD may be treated involves using light therapy, this is because the condition is due to a lack of exposure to sunlight. The following articles offer key information on the light therapy approach to treating seasonal affective disorder:

Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

In addition to using a light box to receive light therapy, there are also several other approaches to treating the condition. For example, making changes to your diet and taking regular exercise, particularly outdoors, are recognised as being helpful in managing SAD symptoms. The following articles look at alternative treatments for seasonal affective disorder:

Light Therapy for Eating Disorder Treatment

In addition to being a very effective means of treating seasonal affective disorder, light therapy has also been identified as helpful for sufferers of the eating disorder, bulimia nervosa. Whether you have been diagnosed with bulimia or seasonal affective disorder, a light box may improve your ability to concentrate and help with sleep patterns. From personal experience of using light therapy, I have to say that it has been particularly helpful for reducing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Also, there are no side-effects of this approach, unlike many other alternative depression remedies, such as St. John's Wort.

For more information on seasonal affective disorder and the treatments explored above, I strongly recommend getting hold of Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder. There are also many helpful websites, such as SADA and Lumie is a helpful site for purchasing light boxes.