Light Therapy
Introduction
Dan A. Oren, M.D.
Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D.
Although exposure to environmental light has been regarded as therapeutic since ancient times and artificial light has been recommended for a variety of conditions for more than 100 years, the use of visible light for a narrow and specific range of psychiatric conditions has been advocated only in the past 20 years. For a historical perspective, the interested reader is referred elsewhere.
Light therapy in its modern form has usually been administered by means of light boxes, and most research has involved the use of such devices, although newer devices may prove useful. Our focus in this chapter is on the modern use of light therapy.
Light Therapy
Introduction
Diagnostic Indications and Contraindications
Maintenance/Continuation Therapy
Formal Aspects of Light Therapy
Novel Treatment Devices
Practical Aspects of Light Therapy
Check also:
Antidepressant and Antimanic Medications
Depression-Focused Psychotherapies
Psychodynamic Psychotherapies
Combined Medication and Psychotherapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Light Therapy
Treatment-Resistant Mood Disorders
Treatment of Mood Disorders in the Medically Ill Patient
Strategies and Tactics in the Treatment of Depression
Revision date: July 6, 2011
Last revised: by Dave R. Roger, M.D.