A light at the end of the dark tunnel of depression?
A Report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Last year, it was discovered that nearly one in five adults in the United States has been diagnosed with depression.
Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants, but these drugs come with A big list of possible side effectsInvolved worrying skin disorders and “emotional blunting”, in which pills numb not only difficult times but all sensations, including pleasure.
But experts are now saying that a drug-free solution to depression may be as easy as flipping a switch.
It is well established that exposure to light affects human mood and cognitive function. A recent study found that patients treated with bright light therapy (BLT) reported a 40% remission rate of non-seasonal depression, which proves this point.
Reinforced by a study by National Institute of Health While it showed that patients with seasonal affective disorder who received bright light therapy for four weeks found relief from symptoms, the researchers were curious to see how the same therapy could be used to relieve symptoms in people suffering from non-seasonal depressive disorder. How can it be done to reduce it?
published in JAMA PsychiatryThe study included data from 858 participants who were diagnosed with depressive disorders.
These patients were instructed to sit in front of a fluorescent light box that produced bright white light at an intensity of 10,000 lux for at least 30 minutes every day.
The research team observed that patients treated with BLT had a significantly higher remission rate (40%) than control groups treated only with antidepressants (23%).
The team said, “These findings suggest that bright light therapy was an effective adjunctive treatment for non-seasonal depressive disorders, and that response time to early treatment can be improved with bright light therapy.”
Researchers say BLT has the potential to be an accessible, cost-effective supplement or replacement for antidepressants, offering a bright spot of hope for people with the deep blues.
“Even though the cost of outpatient treatment with antidepressants is widely variable, exposure to outdoor light generally involves no costs or limitations, making bright light as an efficient adjunctive treatment for non-seasonal depressive disorders. Strengthens the need for light therapy,” he wrote.
Since 2005, The American Psychiatric Association recommends BLT. As a treatment option for patients with major depressive disorder.
How does light exposure affect mood and cognition?
according to forbesWhen humans are exposed to bright light, that light enters the retina, The activating neurons are known as retinal ganglion cells.
These neurons transmit information between the retina and the brain and are directly responsible for mood regulation.
While this latest study adds to the larger body of evidence linking BLT to better mental health, Experts warn that home remedies And commercial light boxes may not be as effective as those employed by health care professionals. For best results, consult the provider to determine the appropriate light intensity and duration of exposure for you.
