A new study reveals a 30-minute drug-free solution that may help with seasonal depression.
While doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants, people tend to experience a long list of side effects such as skin disorders and “emotional blunting” — where the pills numb all sensations, including happiness.Seasonal depression affects nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US.But experts say a drug-free solution to possibly countering these winter blues is to simply flip on the light switch.
They were instructed to sit in front of a fluorescent 10,000 lux-powered light box for at least 30 minutes everyday. Treatment lasted between one to six weeks.The team’s goal was to see a 50% or more reduction in depressive symptoms and research saw that 60.4% of those treated with BLT achieved that goal.
Those engaged in light therapy also had a significantly higher remission rate from those who were solely treated with antidepressants: 40.7% versus 23.5%, respectively. BLT may be an accessible form of treatment, but many don’t see it as a primary solution due to its costThe Brazilian research team wrote, “The primary supportive argument in favor of using bright light as an adjunctive treatment is the cost.
“Even though outpatient treatment costs with antidepressants are widely variable, exposure to external light generally involves no costs or limitations, which reinforces the need to firm bright light therapy as an effective adjunctive treatment for non-seasonal depressive disorders.” , most of the 40 million cells in our brain are greatly impacted by serotonin, including our moods. When our serotonin levels are high, our emotions become less likely to fluctuate.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
B.C. Mountie named one of world’s top 40 cops under 40Surrey RCMP Staff Sgt. Derek Bonner earns International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 under 40 Award
Read more »
Inside Avenue’s 2024 Top 40 Under 40 PartyHundreds of Calgarians ushered in the Top 40 class of 2024 at Avenue's annual celebration of exciting and innovative Calgarians under the age of 40.
Read more »
6 Reasons to Attend Avenue’s 2024 Top 40 Under 40 PartyMix and mingle with influential Calgarians, enjoy delicious food and drinks, listen to live music and more.
Read more »
Drone strike in Israel wounds almost 40 as Hezbollah is blamedIsraeli rescue services said almost 40 people were wounded in a drone strike in the central city of Binyamina on Sunday, three of them critically. The Hezbollah militant group was blamed for one of the most serious strikes to land in Israel in a year of war.
Read more »
Panarin and Lafreniere score, Shesterkin makes 40 saves as Rangers beat Senators 2-1NEW YORK (AP) — Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere scored, Igor Shesterkin stopped 40 shots and the New York Rangers beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Friday night.
Read more »
Analyst makes 10 changes to RBC’s Top 40 domestic stock picks listDaily roundup of research and analysis from The Globe and Mail’s market strategist Scott Barlow
Read more »