During more than twenty years people try to realize the treatment of depression with a help of light, counting on the changes of inadequate biorhythm by the patient.
It has been found experimentally that a change in biological rhythms in the human body occurs by its source of heightened intensity light. It were some attempts to prevent the seasonal exacerbation of depression by means of “lengthening day” with the help of lightage and sleep deprivation.
It is supposed that bright and long effecting light affects circadian rhythm, oppresses in epiphysis (endocrine gland which regulates other organs of endocrine system) melatonin secretion, causes changes of cortisol concentration as well as ACTH in patient’s blood. It also changes the catecholamines synthesis and has sympathicotonic and parasympathetic (at the expense of calorific effect) effect. In the end, these changes lead to treatment of depression.
For therapeutic action it is necessary to have room lighting at least 2600 and no more than 8000 luxes.
Necessary lighting is achieved with a help of incandescent lamps, located on the ceiling chamber at a height of 2.5 meters. Usually are used 27 incandescent lamps of 200 Watts. It was noted that the effectiveness of treatment with light increases by coloring the therapy rooms in the white or green, as well as by maximum (25%) naked body. Before a light therapy the patient is carefully examined. The treatment of depression with light can be conducted at any time of day, also with two-day or three-day intervals. During the conversation, patients who are only asked not to shut their eyes can freely move around the room.
Tags: biorhythm, endocrine profile, epiphysis, light, melatonin, SAD