Light Therapy Boxes » S.A.D FAQ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:40:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Causes of Bipolar Disorder http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy-for-depression/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy-for-depression/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:04:21 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy-for-depression/

Bipolar Disorder is a condition wherein a person experiences two opposite moods - an elevated mood, called manic, and a downbeat mood, called depression. There is also a corresponding change in the sleeping pattern, and levels of activity and energy. These changes interfere in the normal functioning of the individual at work, school, home, and can also adversely affect personal relationships. These changes in moods are usually separated by a period of normal mood behavior.

However, in some cases there is a rapid reversal of moods known as 'rapid cycling or mixed state'. These mood swings are different from the usual change in feelings from high to low, and vice-versa, experienced by normal individuals. Bipolar disorder is different from Unipolar disorder, in which the person experiences only one kind of mood - depression.

Symptoms and Problems in Diagnosis
During the manic phase, individuals feel very happy and excited, and have extra confidence in their abilities. They tend to be impulsive, and may take on additional responsibilities. They are also restless and easily distracted. During depression, exactly the opposite occurs - individuals feel sad, hopeless and have a very low level of confidence. They tend to lose interest in activities which they normally enjoyed. These behavioral changes constitute the major symptoms in this disorder.

These symptoms appear separate, not connected and as part of a larger problem. When the symptoms are mild, they are usually completely ignored. In extreme cases, individuals suffer from delusions and hallucinations, i.e. false beliefs about oneself. During the manic phase, this causes individuals to believe that they are famous, rich, have many powers, etc., . During depression, individuals believe the exact opposite. Such delusions are also the symptoms of schizophrenia, and can therefore lead to incorrect diagnosis. Apart from schizophrenia, certain other disorders also have similar symptoms. Restlessness and distraction are symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Social phobia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are common symptoms for bipolar disorder and other anxiety disorders.

Types
Depending on the severity and duration of symptoms, there are four types of bipolar disorders: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP- NOS) and Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia.

Causes of Bipolar Disorder
In many cases, bipolar disorder is hereditary. Individuals with parents or siblings having this disorder are more prone to have Bipolar Disorder. Some studies have concluded that even among identical twins, one may and the other may not have this condition. This observation is important, as identical twins share all the genes (hereditary material). Therefore, considering hereditary as a cause for this disorder can be debated.

The environment experienced by a person in childhood also influences the likelihood of developing this disorder. Many people with this disorder have either been abused or have gone through stressful situations in their early years. Even adults who have had experiences involving a lot of stress can develop this problem.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, the retina, the lens, and some other tissues. This hormone promotes sleepiness. Darkness stimulates its production. Studies have found that people with bipolar disorder are highly sensitive to light during sleep. This causes a drop in melatonin levels, and, therefore causes sleeplessness. However, the precise contribution of melatonin levels in causing bipolar disorder is not reliably established.

Brain imaging has shown that the manner in which a normal brain develops is different from how the brain of a person with bipolar disorder develops. Here again, many conclusions are contradictory and therefore not very reliable. Scientists have found similarities in the brain structure of people with mood disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, multi-dimensional impairment, etc. Brain imaging promises to be a powerful tool in the analysis of psychological disorders. Combined with genetic studies, it may lead to consistent observations and conclusions. This may even help in finding a cure or a prevention for this problem.

Treatment
The treatment often used is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication includes:
Mood stabilizing medications that contain lithium, valporic acid, lamotrigine, etc.
Atypical antipsychotic medications which are different from the conventional medications (in this case the mood stabilizing medications) containing olanzapine, aripiprazole, quetiapine and risperidone
Anti-depressant Medication that include fluoxetine, paroxetine etc.
Some of these have side effects and should be taken only after consulting a medical professional with appropriate qualifications.

Psychotherapies used to treat this problem are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Focused Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy and Psychoeducation. These therapies help the patient learn more about the disorder, control the negative thought patterns, and improve their relations with other people.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong disease and does not have any cure. However, with proper medical treatment it can be controlled, and patients can lead stress-free lives by decreasing the frequency and intensity of the occurrence of its symptoms. It has to be remembered that this disorder is a long-term one and requires patient and consistent treatment.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy-for-depression/feed/ 0 Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/uv-light-therapy/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/uv-light-therapy/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:04:05 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/uv-light-therapy/

Merri Ellen's demo on her seasonal affective disorder light therapy box which she loves for light therapy for sad. Depression and light are connected.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/uv-light-therapy/feed/ 7 Why is Alternative Medicine so Popular? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:03:41 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy/

Alternative medicine is preferred to conventional medicine as it provides an easier and less painful way of curing diseases. There are certain health issues, which find a solution only in alternative medicine. Certain diseases can be cured in a better way through the use of alternative medicine. Alternative medicine provides a better personal control over health care decisions.

An important reason why alternative medicine is popular is because it is highly cost-effective. Alternative medicine treatments require the use of readily available natural substances. Therapies based on alternative medicine mostly use natural or homemade materials. Many of the alternative medicines are made from natural herbs. This makes the use of alternative medicine very economical. Its cost effective nature attracts the common masses towards it.

Practitioners of alternative medicine analyze each patient independently and encourage him/her to remain hopeful throughout the treatment. The treatment is based on the analysis of each patient, rather than his/her ailment. They believe in treating the patient and not just the disease. Most of the alternative medicine treatments involve a personal touch to the therapy. They involve individually understanding each case, rather than treating the symptoms generically.

Another very important advantage of alternative medicine is that it has no side effects. Methods such as Ayurveda and naturopathy make use of purely natural substances. which do not have any adverse effect on the body. Allergic reactions, rashes, nausea experienced by some, on using conventional medicine, are eliminated through the use of alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine involves exercises like yoga, meditation and relaxation therapies that greatly benefit the overall health of the patients.

The secret of the popularity of alternative medicine lies in the fact that it uses nature as the healer.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/light-therapy/feed/ 0 How Expensive Are Those Light Therapy Machines For Sad? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-expensive-are-those-light-therapy-machines-for-sad/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-expensive-are-those-light-therapy-machines-for-sad/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:03:53 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-expensive-are-those-light-therapy-machines-for-sad/

i'm badly affected by the darkness of winter and work during the daylight hours so i cant go outside, i am thinking of getting one of these SAD lamps, but i dont know who sells them or how much they run/

It depends, I have one I paid less than $40 at Big Lots and have seen some big ones for $200 in magazines. Use it in the morning for about 20 minutes. I used to read under mine.
Don't forget, you also need to take vitamin D on a regular basis (coupled with calcium) and get out in what sun you can (no lotion) for 15 minutes a day if at all possible (you can on your lunch break). Exercise helps, endorphins in your brain become activated by it to elevate your mood.
Be careful with your diet too; fatty foods, junk foods and too many empty carbs can add to the distress. Try to be active too; church group, community volunteer, etc.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-expensive-are-those-light-therapy-machines-for-sad/feed/ 4 How Does Light Box Therapy Work? Has Anyone Had Luck With This? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-does-light-box-therapy-work-has-anyone-had-luck-with-this/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-does-light-box-therapy-work-has-anyone-had-luck-with-this/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:03:51 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-does-light-box-therapy-work-has-anyone-had-luck-with-this/

Does it actually increase serotonin (or other neurotransmitter) levels?

People who use light therapy are people who have SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) People with SAD get depressed during the months when there are shorter days, which mean less sunlight. So like October-April. Light therapy just gives people the light that they don't get in these months.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-does-light-box-therapy-work-has-anyone-had-luck-with-this/feed/ 1 There's A D At The Top Of The Penalty Box On A Football Field. What's It For? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/theres-a-d-at-the-top-of-the-penalty-box-on-a-football-field-whats-it-for/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/theres-a-d-at-the-top-of-the-penalty-box-on-a-football-field-whats-it-for/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:03:48 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/theres-a-d-at-the-top-of-the-penalty-box-on-a-football-field-whats-it-for/

In the siprit of Euro Cup 2008, I asked some of my football crazy friends and they don't know.

During a penalty shot, all players other than the shooter must be both outside the penalty box and ten yards away from the penalty spot. Since the top of the box is less than 10 yards from the spot, the D had to be put in to show exactly where the 10 yard area ends.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/theres-a-d-at-the-top-of-the-penalty-box-on-a-football-field-whats-it-for/feed/ 0 How Many People Are Aware Of Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-many-people-are-aware-of-summer-seasonal-affective-disorder/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-many-people-are-aware-of-summer-seasonal-affective-disorder/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:41:04 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-many-people-are-aware-of-summer-seasonal-affective-disorder/

I think most people are aware of WINTER Seasonal Affective Disorder which causes depression during the winter months when the skies are grey much of the time, but how many are aware some people get severely depressed during hot, summer weather, the kind of weather that MOST people call "beautiful"?

Yes. It's much less common than the winter SAD and the symptoms are usually the opposite. Winter depressions usually involve increased appetite, weight gain, lethargy, excessive fatigue and sleeping much more than usual. Insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, agitation and anxiety are usually seen in recurrent summer depressions. The causes of summer depressions are more obscure than that of winter ones. Some researchers believe that some people's brains are particularly sensitive to the increased heat and sunlight during the summer.

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/how-many-people-are-aware-of-summer-seasonal-affective-disorder/feed/ 5 What's The Best 'dawn Simulator Alarm Clock?'? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/whats-the-best-dawn-simulator-alarm-clock/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/whats-the-best-dawn-simulator-alarm-clock/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:26:33 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/whats-the-best-dawn-simulator-alarm-clock/

The best one should not make any clicking sounds when the light is activated. It should be gradual and make absolutely no noise, aside from the back-up noise alarm. If you know the worst one, please advise of that too. I'd like to avoid that one. Much obliged for answers!

With out a doubt the one that samsung makes...it's pricey, it called the good morning and it retails for about $229

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/whats-the-best-dawn-simulator-alarm-clock/feed/ 0 Does Light Therapy For Sad Work? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/does-light-therapy-for-sad-work/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/does-light-therapy-for-sad-work/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:20:04 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/does-light-therapy-for-sad-work/

does light therapy for sad work?
anyone buy a box?
what kind?

I got one from Apollo Health...Apparently this one is pretty good- it was shown on CNN. I just got mine today:) I live in Seattle so I really needed one. Ill let you know in a couple of days if it really works:)
Youre welcome...So, I think it really is working. This may seem contrived but I generally have a better sense of well being while ive been using it the last few days. I got mine from Costco online. It was about the cheapest of the Apollo version that I could find. Sometimes people sell them on Craigslist though. The blue light will not give you a sunburn because it doesnt work thru your skin. It works thru the retina of your eyes which interacts with the hypothalamus which regulates energy levels and mood throughout the day. I think its definitely worth a try!

]]> http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/does-light-therapy-for-sad-work/feed/ 3 Should I Leave One Of The Strips On My Light On.? http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/should-i-leave-one-of-the-strips-on-my-light-on/ http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/should-i-leave-one-of-the-strips-on-my-light-on/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:55:20 +0000 franciax http://www.lighttherapyboxes.net/s-a-d-faq/should-i-leave-one-of-the-strips-on-my-light-on/

I have a coral life light 130 watt and i have a 50/50 light and a dawn/dusk simulator and i was just wondering if i should leave the dawn/dusk one for my inverts at night. Thankyou

No, I don't think so.
My theory is to simulate day/night/moon cycles
There are these lunar lights that simulate moonlight for night time viewing.
www.drsfostersmith.com
and type in "lunar lights" in the search engine to the left

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