There has been development, in researching new ways of treating different types of depression. It has been said that many cases of depression and SAD, seasonal affective disorder, have been treated with alternative therapies, over the last few years. In the course of looking for a cure, a new alternative treatment has been brought to existence to address the issue on this disorder. If you are suffering from depression, this form of treatment may be of benefit to you if you prefer alternative methods.
Light therapy is the latest among the alternative therapies for depression. Light box therapy for depression has become one of the favorite light therapy treatments used for this disorder. Light therapy or light treatment use ‘light boxes’. These light boxes provide 10,000 lux of artificial light. Light therapy, which is also referred to as phototherapy, usually consists of exposure to particular wavelengths of light depending how much is being prescribed for a certain amount of time.
People who experience seasonal affective disorder have found the light therapy treatment to be effective. Winter depression or winter blues, is what this form of mood disorder is usually known as. During the winter season this type of depression can be experienced by the patient repeatedly. Many experience the feeling of depression year after year. On the other hand, aside from seasonal affective disorder, light boxes were proven to help other types of depression as well.
The good thing about light boxes is that they do not cause skin damage compared to a variety of light therapies, such as those that make use of ultraviolet light. Prolonged exposure from ultraviolet light is known to damage the skin. Blue Light Treatment is somehow associated with light box treatment, although compared to blue light, the light box gives a quicker therapeutic response to the individual who uses it. On the other hand, using blue light therapy to treat depression could be as responsive as using light boxes on younger patients, but is not an adequate depression treatment for mature patients.
The response to any form of light therapy usually will show results in about two to four days, but extensive disorders such as depression may take up to three weeks.
There are of course other forms of natural treatment for depression. Natural cures for depression do not rely on traditional prescription medications for a solution. Vitamins and supplements, dietary changes, relaxation techniques, are a few other methods. So if you do prefer natural and alternative methods for treatment then there is a varied selection for you to try.
