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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janice on January 8, 1999, at 3:39:03
I was considering purchasing a full spectrum light box
to help treat my chronic depression. I know they are
used for SAD which I don't have, per se, cause I feel
crappy all year round; I don't get much sun, even in
summer. Has anyone found the light boxes to be useful
for other types of depressions besides SAD?
Posted by Chris A. on January 8, 1999, at 22:46:52
In reply to Full spectrum light for general depression, posted by Janice on January 8, 1999, at 3:39:03
Dear Janice,
I've used a 10,000 lux commercial lightbox the past
two years intermittantly with some perceived benefit,
especially on overcast days. Since I have bipolar II
and tend to respond ADs with mood instability I have
to treat it like a potent drug. A consultant I
saw recommended to start out with one minute per day!
Currently I'm using it 30 minutes upon awakening.Kripke at UCSD found that light's value for seasonal
and nonseasonal depression are comparable (J Affect Disord,
49(2):109-17 a998 May). Light therapy for SAD is
throroughly discussed in: Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1998;55
Several original articles and commentaries support
its use. The evidence isn't all in on other depressive
disorders.Is there a chance you can rent or borrow a light
before you decide to purchase? I know some of the
companies allow a thirty day trial.Best,
Chris A.
Posted by Janice on January 9, 1999, at 3:07:15
In reply to Re: Full spectrum light for general depression, posted by Chris A. on January 8, 1999, at 22:46:52
Hey Chris,
Thanks for responding, I'll try to locate those
articles you mentioned.> Is there a chance you can rent or borrow a light
> before you decide to purchase? I know some of
> the companies allow a thirty day trial.The local medical supply store rents their light
boxes at $60 for two weeks or $100 for a month.
Either rental price is good towards the purchase
price,$400, sans tax. I'm frugal and would
hate to lose the $60 bucks, if I decided to buy
elsewhere because of lower prices. Yet, it
would be better to spend and possibly lose $60
to test, than to spend $300-$400 and end up with
something that does not help? My insurance only
covers light boxes for psoriasis, which I'm
thinking about trying to develop. (Just kidding.)I'll look around for companies that give trials,
here in town, and on the web. Thanks.
This is the end of the thread.
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