Treatment of depression with light

Light Treatment of depression for more than twenty years trying to make with the help of the world, hoping to change the disturbed biological rhythms of a patient man.

Experimentally it was shown that changes in biological rhythms in the human body occurs when it is illuminated by the light source of high intensity. Attempts were made to prevent the seasonal exacerbation of depression by "lengthening days days" with the help of artificial lighting and sleep deprivation.

It is assumed that the bright light and duration of exposure influence the circadian rhythm centers, inhibits in the epiphysis (glands of internal secretion, in part, regulates the activity of other organs of the endocrine system), the secretion of melatonin, causes changes in the concentration of cortisol in the blood and AKTG patient alters the synthesis of catecholamines, has simpatikotonicheskim and parasimpatikotonicheskim (due to thermal effects) of action. Ultimately, these changes lead to treatment for depression.

For therapeutic effect lighting is needed at least 2600 and not more than 8000 lux.

Coverage achieved by the use of incandescent lamps, located on the ceiling of the House at an altitude of about 2.5 meters. Usually used 27 incandescent lamps of 200 Watts. It is noted that the effectiveness of treatment increases with the light color therapy rooms in the white or green, as well as the maximum (25%), naked body. Before the start of light therapy the patient carefully examined. Treatment of depression with light can be conducted at any time of day, as every day, and with two - three-day intervals. During the therapy session, patients are asked to not only turn a blind eye can move freely around the room.

The majority of the positive effect of light therapy associates with increased regulatory functions of the brain cortex, as well as the normalization of activity of the vegetative system. Interesting to note the sensitivity to light therapy in patients with manifestations of anxiety. To a lesser extent in this type of therapy, patients reacted with symptoms of depression and apathy. Speaking about the mechanism of therapeutic effect of this therapy should be noted, and the thermal effect of light. Common contraindications to the treatment of depression and other mental disorders are the light of oncological diseases and pathology of the eye. Currently, treatment for depression using light special desktop devices.