Light Therapy and antidepressants
Light therapy has been found to be very beneficial to the SAD
sufferer. During light therapy, the client sits under a bright light -- of 10,000
lux -- from one- to three-hours a day. There are special desk lights made for
SAD sufferers. Some research has found that sitting under bright lights during
the early morning hours, or using an early dawn simulator (light comes on slowly
from dim to bright, imitating the dawn), to be very effective in alleviating depression.
Other research has found it does not matter what time of day one sits under the
lights.
Positive effects can be noted within a week of beginning light therapy. The
client will notice their concentration increases and sleep decreases. Basically,
the client will tell you what has helped him the most. Each individual is different
and each body has its own circadian rhythm. To find out more about these lights,
visit the websites www.apollolight.com
or www.northernlight-tech.com.
Along with light therapy, many patients need an antidepressant. A psychiatric
evaluation will help determine what antidepressant is best for the client. Always
have your client see a psychiatrist who specializes in depressions and fully understands
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Many clients need a combination of antidepressants and light therapy together
to get through the winter months.
The client may also need psychoeducational counseling to understand what SAD
is. It is important to know that many clients feel guilty about not being able
to function. When the client understands SAD and begins to manage it, the guilt
decreases and the client questions himself less about feeling confused about not
being able to function. The family also needs to be educated about what is happening
to the patient. A support system at home helps the client to work through the
changes that SAD brings during the fall and winter months and how to alleviate
the symptoms of lethargy, mood swings, craving for carbohydrates, lack of concentration,
depression and weight gain. The counselor's job is also to educate the family
in order to provide a stronger support system for the client.
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