ouldn’t stare directly atthe light box, but rather engage in such activities as reading, writing, or eating meals in thelight box’s light. The light therapy sessions should start with a single 10 to 15 minutesession per day, gradually increasing the session length to 30 to 45 minutes. If symptomsworsen, sessions should be increased to twice a day.Some patients show an immediate benefit from light therapy, but most take two tofour days to experience a sustained antidepressant response. Patients who respondpositively to the light therapy should continue treatment until adequate daily lightexposure is available to them through other sources, such as springtime sun.Side effects of the light therapy has been minimal. A small percentage of patientsexperience headaches, eyestrain, or nausea at the beginning of treatment. Thesesymptoms are usually mild and go away after a few days.Mild symptoms of SAD can be treated with simple measures such as keepingdrapes and blinds open; sitting near windows; or turning on bright lights during cloudydays. Changing the lights in the bathroom to high output lights will wake you up and turnoff the melatonin in your body. Working in bright areas also signals your body to stayawake. Bibliographical Information:American Academy of Family Physicians (March 15, 1998). “Seasonal AffectiveDisorders,” URL http://www.aafp.org/aft/980315ap/saeed.html (visited 1:19 PM,May 11, 1999).Chamberlain, Claudine. “SAD Scientists See the Light,” URL http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/InYourHead/allinyourhead_13.html(visited 1:12 PM, May 11, 1999).Outside In Company. “Outside in S.A.D. Information Sheet,”URL http://www.outsidein.co.uk/sadinfo.htm (visited 1:05 PM, May 11, 1999).Solar Brite. “Seasonal Affective Disorder-Solution to SAD-Winter Depression,” URL http://www.healthtechnologies.com/solarbrite/solution.htm (visited 1:36 PM,May 11, 1999)Thrive@Healt...
