Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Alternative Treatments
If the lack of exposure to sunlight can cause you to be depressed, then providing simulated sunlight should help alleviate the depression. It certainly seems logical. And, in fact, it?s not only logical, but effective. If you suffer from SAD, you may want to ask your health care practitioner about light therapy. Many in the health care field consider light therapy the first line of defense in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder.
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This form of therapy hasn?t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The organization has not seen enough definitive evidence on its effectiveness in clinical trials. When you undergo this type of treatment, you?ll sit in front of a 10,000 lux light box containing plastic-covered white fluorescent light tubes. The plastic screen blocks any exposure to ultraviolet rays. When this therapy was originally devised, it was thought that only full-spectrum lighting would alleviate the symptoms of SAD. Full spectrum lighting mimics sunlight, providing for every spectrum of the sun?s rays. In the 25-some years that light therapy has been used, it?s been shown that full spectrum is not necessary. Most experts in the field of light therapy recommend about 90 minutes of exposure daily, for optimum results. This therapy normally continues until the end of winter. Most people who use this method say that they can feel its beneficial effects in as little as two to four days. In others, it takes up to several weeks. Discontinue using light therapy if, after a month to six weeks, you discover no improvement in your symptoms. Light therapy is especially recommended for those people who are searching for an alternative to the use of antidepressants. For more information on this therapy, as well as some sources of light therapy boxes go to http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/1400/1484.asp?index=6412. If you prefer an herbal supplement, you may want to make St. John?s Wort one of your first choices. Its ability to lift a depressed mood is legendary among herbalists. According to the research performed on this plant, it works by stimulating the neurotransmitters involved in creating the depression in the first place. It is especially effective at boosting serotonin levels in the brain, which greatly influences your emotions. St. John?s Wort is used widely in Germany which has a rich history of herbal use. St. John?s Wort is so trusted, in fact, that approximately 30 million prescriptions are written for it as a natural antidepressant yearly. If you plan to use this herb, it?s best that you consult with your local professional herbalist to discover the proper serving for your individual symptoms. Also keep in mind you should also consult with your personal health care practitioner before you start using St. John?s Wort not only to obtain his advice, but also to ensure that this herb won?t interfere with any medications you?re currently taking.
