Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 13581

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SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by Andy on October 21, 1999, at 9:54:39

Anyone out there have seasonal affected depression ?

Anyone have any experience with these lights you can buy that supposedly make you feel better ?

Know where I can buy one and what it costs ?

Any other ideas welcome

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by janice on October 21, 1999, at 14:27:59

In reply to SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Andy on October 21, 1999, at 9:54:39

hi Andy,

my depression is completely related to light. In September, I feel my energy level go down. By January, FEb and March, some days I can't get out of bed, usually in April my mood quickly goes up again. I only use my light visor for my depression (ADs, this far, have not helped). It's the only thing that seems to significantly help. I bought it from HealthLite in Hamilton, Ontario. I like the visor better than those large boxes simply because of convenience. to get one in your neighbourhood, call your local hospital to locate a SAD clinic. Janice. try to try one before you buy one, I believe they are kind of expensive.

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by Wayne Belcher on October 22, 1999, at 18:08:59

In reply to SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Andy on October 21, 1999, at 9:54:39

>The type of light that you should use for SAD photo therapy is the same as you would use for a plant light. Such as for an indoor greenhouse. You should be able to find it at any place that sells plants. If they do not sell them then they should be able to steer you in the right direction. Wayne

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by kjm on October 25, 1999, at 21:59:53

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Wayne Belcher on October 22, 1999, at 18:08:59

A Canadian company called Northern Lights is
retailing table-top lamps for about $200.00 CAN.
It has to be "full spectrum" light, simulating
sunshine (without the uv). You sit 2 feet in
front of it to get the 10,000 lux of light energy,
and anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes every morning
before 10 am seems to work for 85% of people with
SAD.
good luck
kjm

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by Dr. Bob on October 26, 1999, at 2:16:14

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Wayne Belcher on October 22, 1999, at 18:08:59

> >The type of light that you should use for SAD photo therapy is the same as you would use for a plant light.

I think that used to be thought to be the case, but that regular fluorescent lights are now considered good enough...

Bob

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by dove on October 26, 1999, at 8:22:04

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Dr. Bob on October 26, 1999, at 2:16:14

My husband grows hydroponic tomatoes for a hobby and uses this great big light. I'm going to go into his mini-greenhouse for the next 7 days and see if that helps. I'm going to start with 10 minutes and hopefully I'll find the time to do it before 10am. Anyone with real-life experience? How soon can one expect to see any improvement?

dove

p.s. My husband has really benefited from working in that greenhouse during the winter. I mean, you can really tell the difference when he comes out. He has said that watching the plants grow and all the greenery and fruit is what really makes him feel great about life.

 

Re: Full spectrum light

Posted by Dee on October 26, 1999, at 11:43:49

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by dove on October 26, 1999, at 8:22:04

Where I come from the winters are really dark (Finland) and your friendly neighborhood health center has a light therapy room.
I think the light they use is full spectrum light - I've heard that plant lights (I don't know what's the difference) can be harmful for your eyes.
(full spectrum lights are the ones used in art museums and by graphic artists)
Dee

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by kjm on October 26, 1999, at 20:44:11

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Dr. Bob on October 26, 1999, at 2:16:14

> > >The type of light that you should use for SAD photo therapy is the same as you would use for a plant light.
>
> I think that used to be thought to be the case, but that regular fluorescent lights are now considered good enough...
>
> Bob

I had not heard this;
if you have any references, I'd like to read up on
this. This might make a big difference for SAD
patients on limited incomes.
thanks,
kjm.

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by JohnL on October 27, 1999, at 2:44:38

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by dove on October 26, 1999, at 8:22:04

> My husband grows hydroponic tomatoes for a hobby and uses this great big light. I'm going to go into his mini-greenhouse for the next 7 days and see if that helps. I'm going to start with 10 minutes and hopefully I'll find the time to do it before 10am. Anyone with real-life experience? How soon can one expect to see any improvement?
>
> dove
>
> p.s. My husband has really benefited from working in that greenhouse during the winter. I mean, you can really tell the difference when he comes out. He has said that watching the plants grow and all the greenery and fruit is what really makes him feel great about life.

For the past three years I've used one of these. It's a 1000watt metal halide for greenhouses. It's actually right in my living room and is so bright. Houseplants love it. Visitors love it. Maine winters are long and dreary. My son calls our living room "Arizona".

Only a couple downsides to these lights. They're expensive (couple hundred dollars). There are some much smaller than 1000watts though which aren't so pricey. A 1000watt bulb alone costs $80. They're dangerous only if cracked, because they will continue working except ultraviolets rays escape and burn the skin and eyes. In the rare event they explode there is mercury inside. Not good. Wise to use a clear safety panel that comes with them as an add-on option. Especially if they're near moisture.

The bright light has not helped my depression though. It does help general comfort during winter. Nice to have an Arizona living room when the sun has been hidden behind a dark gray dreary sky for 7 days while 0 degrees outside temperature lingers with no end. Bright light actually has many benefits, but the one most important to me has not been achieved.

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy

Posted by mary on October 27, 1999, at 19:32:57

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by JohnL on October 27, 1999, at 2:44:38

I have a full spectrum light set up in my kitchen. What a difference it makes when I need to write a report at night. I think I have gained some benefit when I use it, but my table top needs to be cleared off so I can be close enough. The big drawback is getting out of bed in time to sit in front of the darn thing before I am late for work. The darker the morning the further the kitchen seems and sometimes the light is just too far away. I was wondering about the lights which simulate a sunrise. In only a few more days, it will be dark at 4:30 if the sun shines and not too far from now, we won't see daylight before 6:30. I hate that part fo the the year. Has anyone tried the bedroom lamprise light? Mary


> > My husband grows hydroponic tomatoes for a hobby and uses this great big light. I'm going to go into his mini-greenhouse for the next 7 days and see if that helps. I'm going to start with 10 minutes and hopefully I'll find the time to do it before 10am. Anyone with real-life experience? How soon can one expect to see any improvement?
> >
> > dove
> >
> > p.s. My husband has really benefited from working in that greenhouse during the winter. I mean, you can really tell the difference when he comes out. He has said that watching the plants grow and all the greenery and fruit is what really makes him feel great about life.
>
> For the past three years I've used one of these. It's a 1000watt metal halide for greenhouses. It's actually right in my living room and is so bright. Houseplants love it. Visitors love it. Maine winters are long and dreary. My son calls our living room "Arizona".
>
> Only a couple downsides to these lights. They're expensive (couple hundred dollars). There are some much smaller than 1000watts though which aren't so pricey. A 1000watt bulb alone costs $80. They're dangerous only if cracked, because they will continue working except ultraviolets rays escape and burn the skin and eyes. In the rare event they explode there is mercury inside. Not good. Wise to use a clear safety panel that comes with them as an add-on option. Especially if they're near moisture.
>
> The bright light has not helped my depression though. It does help general comfort during winter. Nice to have an Arizona living room when the sun has been hidden behind a dark gray dreary sky for 7 days while 0 degrees outside temperature lingers with no end. Bright light actually has many benefits, but the one most important to me has not been achieved.

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy ... Mary

Posted by Janice on October 27, 1999, at 19:59:27

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by mary on October 27, 1999, at 19:32:57

Mary, this is the only way for me to wake up cheerfully and punctually. I have manic depression that is (as far as I can tell) completely related to the seasons, or to the amount of light in the sky. I had one that I used every morning but I broke it in a move recently.

I've spoken to a salespersons who told me that by November 1, there will be a new dawn simulator device out on the market for approximately $120 (Canadian; guessing that is about $85 US). Previous to this device, they were all very expensive. This device does not include the light bulb; but rather is the timer which causes the light to come on gradually. Let me know if you would like more information, and I will give it to you as I get it. Janice.

 

Re: cool-white fluorescent tubes

Posted by Dr. Bob on October 28, 1999, at 7:22:24

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy, posted by kjm on October 26, 1999, at 20:44:11

> > regular fluorescent lights are now considered good enough...
>
> if you have any references, I'd like to read up on
> this.

I did a quick search and turned up the below. It's just a study that uses cool-white, though, not one that compares it to full-spectrum.

Bob
--------
Lewy AJ. Bauer VK. Cutler NL. Sack RL. Ahmed S. Thomas KH. Blood ML. Jackson JM. Morning vs evening light treatment of patients with winter depression.
Archives of General Psychiatry. 55 (10): 890-6, 1998 Oct. Comments in: 1998 Oct 55 (10): 861-2, 1998 Oct 55 (10): 863-4.

In the Methods section:

LIGHT TREATMENT

The light fixtures contained two 40-W cool-white fluorescent tubes (Hughes Lighting Technologies, Lake Hopatcong, NJ). To determine the distance to obtain 2500 lux, intensities were measured for each light fixture using a light meter with a photometric sensor. Subjects were instructed to sit 45 degrees to the light with their eyes at midfixture level and to gaze across it once or twice a minute, rather than stare directly at it.

 

Re: Here's Some Info on Light Devices

Posted by Andy on October 28, 1999, at 11:53:49

In reply to SAD-Phototherapy, posted by Andy on October 21, 1999, at 9:54:39

>

I found this interesting site that has a lot of information on light devices :
www.geocities.com/HotSprings/7061/saddev.html

I ordered by mail a 10,000 lux box from Apollo Light for $299 plus $30 shipping. They have a 30day return policy. I should get the light today or tomorrow. Their web site is
www.apollolight.com

From what I have read since my initial post it's the intensity that matters, not whether it's full spectrum. And you want something that does not give off UV. Apparently you sit with this thing for around a half hour before 10:00 in the morning.

Norden, in his book "Beyond Prozac", indicates that he uses light therapy alot and has some sources in the index.

I'll let you know in a week or two if this thing does anything for me. I have noticed decreased energy and increased melancholia in the winter for many years now, so this is kind of interesting.

Anyone out there have seasonal affected depression ?
>
> Anyone have any experience with these lights you can buy that supposedly make you feel better ?
>
> Know where I can buy one and what it costs ?
>
> Any other ideas welcome

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy ... Mary

Posted by DK on October 28, 1999, at 22:27:12

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy ... Mary, posted by Janice on October 27, 1999, at 19:59:27

Dear Janice,
could you please send me the info that you wrote about to Mary. Waking up to gradual light would work well for me.
Thanks,Indigo

 

Re: Here's Some Info on Light Devices

Posted by ChrisK on October 29, 1999, at 5:07:16

In reply to Re: Here's Some Info on Light Devices, posted by Andy on October 28, 1999, at 11:53:49

I am sitting in front of my light from Apollo right now. I definitely notice a difference from past winters. I know much has to do with finding meds that have stabilized me but this is also the first year I've tried phototherapy. Now if I can just convince my insurance company to pay for part of it.

 

Re: SAD-Phototherapy ... Mary am lamp

Posted by mary on October 29, 1999, at 21:50:45

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy ... Mary, posted by Janice on October 27, 1999, at 19:59:27

I am very interested in getting more information on this device. Please fill me in and thanks in advance. Mary

> Mary, this is the only way for me to wake up cheerfully and punctually. I have manic depression that is (as far as I can tell) completely related to the seasons, or to the amount of light in the sky. I had one that I used every morning but I broke it in a move recently.
>
> I've spoken to a salespersons who told me that by November 1, there will be a new dawn simulator device out on the market for approximately $120 (Canadian; guessing that is about $85 US). Previous to this device, they were all very expensive. This device does not include the light bulb; but rather is the timer which causes the light to come on gradually. Let me know if you would like more information, and I will give it to you as I get it. Janice.

 

Mary, DK... information on dawn simulator

Posted by Janice on November 1, 1999, at 12:58:23

In reply to Re: SAD-Phototherapy ... Mary am lamp, posted by mary on October 29, 1999, at 21:50:45

Hi,

I just spoke to the salesperson who supplies these dawn simulators in Western Canada. He says he could probably sell it for $100 Canadian ($70 US). The device has not been UL approved yet, but should be soon. The lighting process takes about 1/2 an hour, and the device measures at about 4"by 2" by 2". His e-mail address is terryd@brite-lite.com. Good luck, Janice

 

Dawn Simulator

Posted by andrewb on November 2, 1999, at 11:03:01

In reply to Mary, DK... information on dawn simulator, posted by Janice on November 1, 1999, at 12:58:23

i was just reading a paper on SAD and light therapy. It was the writers opinioin that dawn simulators are just as effective as light boxes in treating SAD. This is because treatment is based on the interaction of light with the eyes, not the skin. But I thought it was interesting that they were using in their studies dawn simulators the slowly lit up over aone and one-half hour period rather than the half hour period that many dawn simulators use. I would like to find a dawn simulators that takes this longer period to light up.

 

Re: Dawn Simulator II

Posted by andrewb on November 2, 1999, at 16:38:26

In reply to Dawn Simulator, posted by andrewb on November 2, 1999, at 11:03:01

Bio-Brite offers dawn simulators. One model lights up over a half hour period and another model you can can program to light up at the speed you desire, up to 90 minutes. Their # is (301) 961-5940. E-mail at BioBrite@aol.com

 

Re: Dawn Simulator II

Posted by KC on January 3, 2000, at 20:44:30

In reply to Re: Dawn Simulator II, posted by andrewb on November 2, 1999, at 16:38:26

You also might want to check out www.sunboxco.com. They offer a simulated dawn alarm clock, and two dawn simulators that you plug your own lamp into. One of the dawn simulators allows you to program it to take from one minute to three hours.

 

Inexpensive Dawn Simulator

Posted by sadie on January 21, 2000, at 22:54:16

In reply to Re: Dawn Simulator II, posted by KC on January 3, 2000, at 20:44:30

Found http://www.humboldt1.com/~zerdo/ for an inexpensive dawn simulator. VERY small wall unit; supply your own lamp; no programming; 30-minute timer; $49.95 + shipping.

If more info on other models/providers wanted, go to google.com search engine; search on "dawn simulator"; over 2000 results.


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