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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLight therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by exposure to artificial light. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter.
During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light. Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and some other conditions. Light therapy is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy.
- Rosenthal NE, et al. Light therapy. In: Gabbard GO, et al. Treatments of Psychiatric Disorders. 4th ed.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2007. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=257853. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Terman M. Evolving applications of light therapy. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2007;11:497.
- Shirani A, et al. Illuminating rationale and uses for light therapy. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2009;5:155.
- Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. 2nd ed. American Psychiatric Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=49541&searchStr=phototherapy#49541. Accessed July 13, 2010.
- Howland RH. Somatic therapies for seasonal affective disorder. Journal of Psychological Nursing. 2009;47:17.
- Sivamani RK, et al. The benefits and risks of ultraviolet tanning and its alternatives: The role of prudent sun exposure. Dermatologic Clinics. 2009;27:129.
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