What are the basics that we all need in order to survive? Typically, people respond that survival requires air, food and shelter. If you want to live in a psychologically healthy state, you had better add light to the list.

Light does more for us than just letting us see (although that would be a sufficient enough reason to want light.) Many of us seem to need light in order to maintain a sense of well being. According to published reports, as we enter winter each year the number prescriptions for antidepressants increases; more individuals are hospitalized for severe depression; and more people attempt suicide. The technical name for prolonged depression caused by diminished sunlight is Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

SAD symptoms seem remarkably similar to symptoms suffered by most, two income, middle-aged "yuppies": low energy, problems sleeping, low appetite, reduced concentration, carbohydrate craving and weight gain. It isn't just these symptoms that lead to this diagnosis, it is also the extent of these symptoms.

There are various treatments that appear to work for SAD sufferers. For some, antidepressants and counseling might work. Those with milder symptoms may benefit by simply spending more time outdoors.

By far the most interesting and exciting of the new treatments is called light therapy or photo therapy. Some experts suggest that as little as 30 minutes a day spent under a light box can result is significant improvements for many SAD patients. As with any therapy, you need to consult with your doctor before beginning light therapy.

Light therapy is becoming so popular that it is endorsed by an organization called The Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms. The organization consists of researchers, clinicians, manufacturers and consumers who share the common interest of developing research and clinical applications.

The organization may be contacted at Suite 304-10200, West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033. The phone number for this organization is (303) 424-3697.

The Journal of the American Medical Association published an article describing SAD research and developments in November 1998. The Journal observed that SAD was included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, dated 1994. This suggests that SAD is coming of age.

The Journal also reported that approximately 50 percent of U.S. insurance companies reimburse patients for light therapy. It observed, however, that some challenge the specificity and reliability of this diagnosis.

According to Laura Southhard, general partner of Healthyenvironments.com, the intensity of light appears to stimulate the production of Seratonin, which is an important mood regulator. Those suffering from SAD often use specialized light boxes which are manufactured to deliver intensity of light.

Laura added that "there are a variety of light sources available on the market, from light boxes which deliver intensity of light, full spectrum light boxes which deliver better color rendering, to dawn simulators which mimic the rising of the sun and aid in resetting one's biological clock."

If you feel down in the winter, it might be that all you need is a little sunshine to lift you from the doldrums. Should natural light not be available, some researchers suggest that 30 minutes under a lightbox might illuminate your soul.

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Published: September 30, 1999

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