Light Therapy
Key points
- 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.
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
- Indications
- Contraindications to Light Therapy Evidence for Efficacy
- Acute-Phase Treatment
- Maintenance/Continuation Therapy Formal Aspects of Light Therapy Novel Treatment Devices Practical Aspects of Light Therapy Conclusions
Light Therapy Diagnostic Indications and Contraindications » »
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
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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