Seven Resources on Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder with Integrative Medicine

Light Therapy More Effective Than Prozac in Patients with Major Depression

For years, full-spectrum light has been used as an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder. This recent clinical trial adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that full-spectrum light can also be efficacious in nonseasonal forms of depression. These results are consistent with previous studies. A 2005 meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials consistently found a significant reduction in depression symptom severity in both seasonal and nonseasonal disorders. In a 2013 randomized controlled trial, Baxendale et al found that bright light therapy significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in epileptic patients. Research also demonstrates that bright light therapy is safe despite previous reports of adverse effects. In rare cases, eye strain and blurred vision can occur.

Light boxes that are similar to those used in this clinical trial are easily available at a cost of $69 to $199. An alternative to light boxes is getting outdoors in the sunlight for 30 minutes a day. Standard light bulbs can also be replaced with full-spectrum light bulbs in areas of the home or office in which patients spend most of their time.

Light therapy should be considered as a first-line or adjuvant treatment in patients with nonseasonal major depression. This is significant as these cases of depression can be difficult to treat, and pharmaceutical drugs can produce significant side effects.

Click here to read more.