Up until now, light therapy was considered a treatment option for people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called the winter blues. The logic behind this: When the days get darker and shorter, some people need more light. But a surprising new study shows that light therapy is also effective in treating regular depression, all year long. Canadian researchers compared the effectiveness of the light therapy to placebo treatments, and treatments combining light therapy and antidepressants. Study participantswho received only light therapy showed considerable changes in their mood, with people receiving a combination with anti-depressants showing most progress. The results are exciting because light therapy is inexpensive, easy to use and has no side-effects. The study also shows that we are only at the beginning of understanding the importance of light for our health.
Light therapy effective for depression treatment, not just for the winter blues
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