Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, winter blues, or seasonal depression, is a medical condition caused by the seasonal change in the amount of available sunlight. SAD (which affects as much as 10% of the population) is most pronounced in the more northern regions of the world, with a greater daylight variance from summer to winter. Women are affected to a larger degree than men (by almost 3 to 1). Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the individual case. In its milder form, “winter blues”, symptoms include a lack of energy, depression, listlessness, and food cravings for sweets and carbohydrates. By contrast, cases of the more debilitating Seasonal Affective Disorder may include additional symptoms: Problems sleeping, change in appetite or weight, loss of memory, lack of concentration, severe depression and confusion.
Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder with Verilux Full Spectrum Light Therapy
Verilux is the leader in treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder and the winter blues. The Verilux HappyLight and HappyLite Mini are the number 1 selling light therapy devices on the market. The HappyLight simulates the sun’s rays using sophisticated full spectrum lighting technology with 10,000 lux of light. Use of the HappyLight for 15-30 minutes per day is a simple, effective and drug-free treatment for SAD. We’re so sure it will work for you we offer the Verilux Risk Free Guarantee , including 30 days money back and return shipping.
In fact, a 2001 research study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Md showed that you will know within the first hour of use that it will work for you:
“Improvement of atypical depressive symptoms after 1 hour of light therapy positively correlated with improvement after 2 weeks of therapy.”
Follow-up Study shows 94% of patients stopped using anti-depressant drugs.
While correct diagnosis of SAD has become more commonplace, treatment is the area where doctors and SAD sufferers need more education. In the past, doctors have been quick to prescribe an anti-depressant (like Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft) when a patient mentioned being “depressed”. While drugs can sometimes be effective treating depression, they also have a well documented history of very serious side-effects. Light therapy is the natural, side-effect free alternative to anti-depressant pills.
To illustrate, a 1997 research study titled “Follow-up study of seasonal affective disorder in Switzerland”, conducted at the Psychiatric University Clinic, Basel, Switzerland, concluded that:
“Over a number of years, the clinical diagnosis changed for the better in 64% of the patients… and that light therapy (and perhaps also light-oriented behaviour) reduced the incidence and depth of subsequent depressive episodes. Further evidence for this was the large reduction in use of conventional antidepressant drugs (from 17 to 1) during the follow-up period. Diagnosis of SAD was stable and reliable.”
Research also shows additional benefits of full spectrum light therapy
In addition to treating the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, light therapy has also proven effective in treating other disorders. Below are studies showing treatment for Sleep disorders, Bulimia, and Geriatric Depression.
Treating Sleep disorders:
A 2004 research study published in Phsyciatria Polska, titled “Changes of sleep quality and mood disorders under the influence of phototherapy in patients with seasonal affective disorders SAD”, found that:
“Research confirms that phototherapy is an effective method of treatment of choice for patients with SAD. The result indicates that phototherapy markedly improved mood and sleep quality.”
Treating Bulimia nervosa:
A 2001 research study conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, titled “An open trial of light therapy for women with seasonal affective disorder and comorbid bulimia nervosa” concluded:
“Light therapy resulted in significant improvement in mood, with a mean 56% reduction in 29-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores following treatment (p < .001). The frequency of binges and purges per week also significantly decreased.”
Treating Geriatric Depression:
A 2001 research study conducted at the Laboratory of Psychobiochemistry, University of Texas at El Paso, titled “Bright light treatment decreases depression in institutionalized older adults: a placebo-controlled crossover study” showed these results:
“The results of the present study suggest that bright light treatment may be effective among institutionalized older adults, providing nonpharmacological intervention in the treatment of depression.”
