Light Therapy

(Light therapy treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD))

Home > Procedures > Light Therapy

Light therapy, or phototherapy, is used to help treat a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A person uses a light source, often called a light box, for exposure to specific wavelengths of light.

Advice

Rating
1
Pain
Pain is 0 of 10
Inconvenience
Inconvenience is 2 of 10

0 = not bad, 10 = bad

Do light therapy with the aid of a specialist in this area rather than with your regular psychiatrist unless he or she is very knowledgeable about schedule, routine and how to administer light therapy.

Be regimented about doing this treatment (for example, you should start at the same time every day).

 

Stories

Light Therapy

My doctor suggested light therapy for seasonal effective disorder. It is one of several ways I am dealing with symptoms of depression that start in mid-October at the changing of the seasons. Read More

Michael, male, 38, New York

 

Areas of Interest

 
Sign up for the latest research news and stories. Share your experience and help others.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster

Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster

Reduce anxiety, recover faster

Learn more

Research News