Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is depression that sets in during winter and goes away during spring and summer. Symptoms include exhaustion, weight gain, and carbohydrate cravings. SAD is linked to lack of sunlight and may be caused by hormonal changes triggered by winter's extra dark hours. SAD is often treated with light therapy, during which a specialized light box is used as a replacement for the sun's rays.
Directly Addresses SAD Cause
Light therapy directly addresses the cause of SAD--lack of sunlight. During light therapy, you sit near a very bright set of fluorescent bulbs that mimic an outdoor day's sunlight. Sessions of light therapy last for 30 to 90 minutes. While the American Psychiatric Association cautions that the exact mechanisms of light therapy are unknown, it's thought that the light may stimulate the brain to reshift its internal clock and release fewer depression-provoking hormones.
Cost
One of the benefits of using light therapy to treat SAD is that it can be less expensive than other forms of treatment. While the Mayo Clinic states that a specialty light box may cost from $200 to $500 as of June 2010, it's a one-time investment as compared to having to refill prescription medications. This is especially useful if you don't have prescription medication coverage. If you do have medical insurance, your insurer may cover part of the cost of the light box. (See Resources for more information on purchasing the right light box for you.)
Chemical-Free
Light therapy is especially useful for people who are concerned about anti-depressant treatment. Since SAD is a seasonal condition, you might not feel comfortable starting a drug that might have withdrawal effects. Alternatively, you may have reacted poorly to antidepressants in the past or have a health condition that prevents you from taking antidepressants, such as pregnancy. Light therapy has been found to be useful both with and without antidepressant use; a 2005 study published in the Journal of American Psychiatry found that light therapy was as effective as antidepressants in treating SAD.
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