Light Therapy
Research now shows that light therapy, or exposure to light, is an effective treatment for winter depression. Light therapy is administered by a 10,000-lux light box, which contains white fluorescent light tubes covered with a plastic screen that blocks ultraviolet rays. Full-spectrum light is not necessary (Saeed and Bruce).
The patient sits in front of the box with his or her eyes open, but should not look directly into the light. The therapy begins with daily sessions of 10 to 15 minutes, which are gradually increased to 30 to 45 minute sessions. Ninety minutes of exposure per day is often prescribed. The therapy typically continues until spring.
Most people notice improvement in 2 to 4 days. In some cases, symptoms may not improve for several weeks. If symptoms are worsening or do not improve after 4 to 6 weeks of therapy, see your physician. You may require a change in treatment.
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