Light boxes for SAD anyone?

[Denine]

Have any of you used light bxes for SAD instead of anti-depressants? What brand do you use? Did insurance pay?

I don't want to take meds for the rest of my life. It is so hard to get off them. Why should I take something year-round when I only need it during the cloudy winter months?

 

[DawnCt1]

I remember seeing them at Costco at the beginning of the fall/winter season. They were relatively cheap; two came in the package for about $35.

 

[Denine]

Thanks Dawn, anyone else?

 

[Ponygirl]

I have this one:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...&cat=4506&hierPath=589*62782*4506*&lang=en-US

If you live near a Costco, that is a good price for this item. Let me warn you, these things are REALLY bright and you need to use them as directed to get maximum benefit. They work best if you can place it slightly to the side of where you sit, as staring into it will temporarily blind you. I got mine late last winter so I didn't use it for long, but I think it helped. Do some research and decide which one is for you. Not all happy lights are equal.

Good luck. Winter blues stink!

 

[walden]

I've used them for +/-15 years and think they work. I'm moderate-severe SAD and certainly notice when I skip using them during the winter. I spent the earth on my first (full spectrum) lights, but more recent research says that full spectrum is not necessary and may cause cataracts.

You don't have to spend a lot. Any bright florescent light will help, as will increasing all light indoors. This is a good source of info on different types of lights. http://www.sltbr.org/sadfaq.htm

I found that the best thing for me is to spend 30 minutes at around 6:00 am reading a book with the light to the side of me. Also, weather permitting, to go outside at lunch-time for about half an hour. I also have a bright but not obviously SAD light on my office desk during the winter.

Hope that helps.

 

[Deb in IA]

You don't have to spend a lot. Any bright florescent light will help, as will increasing all light indoors.

Help, maybe. Optimal treatment, no.

There are guidelines and recommendations for this specific therapy.
For example, the light should be SAD-specific, and deliver at least 10,000 lux at a distance of 10 - 12 inches away from you, and should be used for 30 minutes before beginning daily activities.

And it is typically not covered by health insurance.

Here is some information for you:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/DN00013

 

[walden]

Help, maybe. Optimal treatment, no.

There are guidelines and recommendations for this specific therapy.
For example, the light should be SAD-specific, and deliver at least 10,000 lux at a distance of 10 - 12 inches away from you, and should be used for 30 minutes before beginning daily activities.

And it is typically not covered by health insurance.

Here is some information for you:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/DN00013

To the OP, don't be discouraged by the post I've just quoted. He/she is correct and the Mayo Clinic link just confirms what I said in my previous post. Research, research and research!

Insurance, sadly, does not cover the lights because FDA and The Powers That Be (read insurance companies) are as yet unconvinced that it is not a placebo effect.

To clarify: My own personal experience is that is not a placebo effect.

Add light. See my previous link. Lots of light, even flourescent and LED! Try any kind of increased light before investing in a really expensive specific SAD light box to see whether even a little increased light has a good effect. If it does help, by all means spend the $$$ for a specific SAD light box. Of course, if you have the money to spare do buy a state of the art box now!

Eh, in *good weather years* I'm off the drugs completely with much increased light. I have a state of the art $$$ light box without the full spectrum bulbs these days.

In really *bad weather years* I'm on half the dosage I was prior to light therapy. If it is a placebo, I'm just happy to be subject to it!

Final caution, some of those fancy $$$ light boxes are just aimed at the Winter Doldrums folk who don't have SAD but do have lots of money to spare. Buy carefully and ask your MD for advice.

All the best, and good luck!

 

[Denine]

Thanks guys!

I orderd one yesterday from Northern Lights. It is about the same price as a 3 month supply of meds.

I am still trying to get over the withdrawl of the med I was on.

I have done quite a bit of research and hope this really helps.

 

[golfgal]

To the OP, don't be discouraged by the post I've just quoted. He/she is correct and the Mayo Clinic link just confirms what I said in my previous post. Research, research and research!

Insurance, sadly, does not cover the lights because FDA and The Powers That Be (read insurance companies) are as yet unconvinced that it is not a placebo effect.

To clarify: My own personal experience is that is not a placebo effect.

Add light. See my previous link. Lots of light, even flourescent and LED! Try any kind of increased light before investing in a really expensive specific SAD light box to see whether even a little increased light has a good effect. If it does help, by all means spend the $$$ for a specific SAD light box. Of course, if you have the money to spare do buy a state of the art box now!

Eh, in *good weather years* I'm off the drugs completely with much increased light. I have a state of the art $$$ light box without the full spectrum bulbs these days.

In really *bad weather years* I'm on half the dosage I was prior to light therapy. If it is a placebo, I'm just happy to be subject to it!

Final caution, some of those fancy $$$ light boxes are just aimed at the Winter Doldrums folk who don't have SAD but do have lots of money to spare. Buy carefully and ask your MD for advice.

All the best, and good luck!

There are a lot of things that are not covered by insurance because they are considered "lifestyle" vs medical necessity-like hearing aides-not covered by insurance at all.

If the boxes are only $36 why do you need insurance to cover them? Chances are they would qualify for a medical expense under a flex-spend or HSA account though.