September 9th, 2010
Also known as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, afflicts up to 40% of women during their reproductive years. For the majority of sufferers, it’s a minor inconvenience, but for some it can be debilitating.
Up to 10% of women report that PMS symptoms have an adverse effect on their lives and particularly, their relationships. PMS sufferers who have at least five PMS symptoms, including a mood disorder, may be diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which is a far more serious condition. Common PMS symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Heachache
- Weight gain
- Wildly fluctuating mood
- A worsening of the symptoms of other conditions such as asthma
Some women also experience positive PMS symptoms, such as increased creativity, energy, industriousness, and sexual interest.
Conventional treatments for negative PMS symptoms may include medication, lifestyle changes, or both. Common treatments include:
- Psychosocial – reassurance, support, and education about the disorder
- Obtaining sufficient sleep
- Getting more exercise
- Ovulation suppressants
- Medications to decrease fluid retention
- Antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications
- Non-prescription pain killers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for joint and muscle pain
Light Therapy
Light therapy is administered via a light box or smaller portable “light book” that emits 10,000 lux light. Light therapy users sit 12-24 inches away from the light source (distance may vary based on the device used) with their eyes open. The light is used for 30 minutes per day on average, though duration may be adjusted downward or upward as needed because individual responses to bright light vary.
There is evidence that light therapy may provide benefits for certain PMS sufferers who experience negative symptoms. Approximately 25% of PMS sufferers say that their symptoms worsen during certain times of the year, particularly the darker fall and winter months. This is a similar pattern to that of Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), which is characterized by a winter depression that lifts during the lighter months of spring and summer. Also, many PMS sufferers manifest circadian rhythm abnormalities similar to those who are depressed.
Light therapy, which is effective in treating S.A.D. and non-seasonal depression, also shows promise for treating PMS. Overall, there have been only a few controlled studies of light therapy’s efficacy in treating PMS or the more severe PMDD, but many subjects in these trials achieved a significant reduction in symptoms.
Safety
Side effects of light therapy, if they occur, tend to be mild. They may include headache, eyestrain, or jitteriness.
Given that it is relatively safe for most people, light therapy may be worth exploring if other PMS treatments don’t work. However, consulting a doctor before beginning light therapy is recommended.
Tags: Light box, Light Therapy, PMS, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Premenstrual Syndrome
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September 3rd, 2010
Most children who take medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will continue to require it in adolescence, and more than 50% will need to take it as adults. Recent research indicates that this medication can have serious side effects, including dizziness, severe nausea, and suicidal ideation, as well potentially damaging the heart and liver.
In a recent study conducted during the winter months, adults with ADHD who were treated with light therapy saw significant reductions in many ADHD symptoms, including:
- Inattention
- Impulsive response to stimuli
- Difficulty in sustaining efforts
- Fatigue
Light therapy, which can be administered via a light box involves exposing the person to 10,000 lux light for approximately 30 minutes per day, though exposure times can be increased or decreased as required because individual responsiveness varies. Light therapy is ideally implemented at the time of day when the person usually feels tired or sluggish, though it shouldn’t be done too late at night as this may cause insomnia.
While light therapy shows some promise for treating ADHD in certain individuals, it should be considered a complementary therapy. Ideally, conventional therapy would be implemented year-round and light therapy used as an adjunct treatment during the darker months of fall and winter.
Tags: ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD light, SAD lights
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September 1st, 2010
Try light therapy. It can treat a number of sleep disorders.
First off, bright light therapy can help for Circadian Rhythm sleep disorder. The principle of light therapy is to imitate bright sunlight and in turn tune the body clock. The light is provided through a light box.
This therapy helps a person maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by sending a properly timed signal of light through the retina of the eye to the brain’s suprachaismatic nucleus, or body clock in the hypothalamus. Circadian rhythm disturbances respond very well to light therapy, especially bright light (>600 lux). The timing of light therapy also is important as it affects the degree and direction of the rhythm shift. The modes of therapy for different disorders are:
- Light therapy applied in the early evening and nighttime hours will delay the cycle for Advanced Circadian Rhythm Disorder (ACR)
- In the early morning light therapy will stimulate morning alertness and an earlier bedtime for Delayed Circadian Rhythm Disorder (DCR).
-Bimodal Circadian Rhythm Disorder (BCR) may cause a person to be awake during the night, so it is important to avoid light during the night. Use bright light in the mid morning, afternoon, late afternoon and evening while avoiding bright morning light before 9:00 am.
- For sighted people, bright morning light should regulate Non 24-hour Sleep/Wake Cycle symptoms or a free running circadian rhythm
Light therapy should always be used within the proper limits for intensity and time
Read more: Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders – Treatment http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/sleep/Circadian_Rhythm_Sleep_Disorders_bright_light_therapy.htm#ixzz0yIalXpJT
Tags: Bright light therapy, Circadian Rhythm Disorder, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Sleep disorder, Sleep disorders, Sleep/Wake Cycle
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August 19th, 2010
Individuals who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) develop a depressed state when the seasons change from summer to winter. Once the weather begins to warm back up and days get longer, the symptoms leave. A lack of exposure to daylight and genetics contribute to the disorder.
Symptoms
Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms include fatigue, depression, a decrease in activity, overeating and a lack of desire to engage in social events.
Time Frame
The depression symptoms typically begin in October and begin to lift around March to April.
Demographics
SAD affects women more often than it affects men, but the symptoms in men are stronger.
Region
The disorder is most common in areas of the world farther from the equator. The days are shorter and therefore, less sunlight is available during the day.
Therapy
Because the cause of the disorder is a lack of daylight, therapy for SAD includes using a special light box 30 minutes a day to increase daylight exposure. Other therapy includes medications, moving to a warmer climate during the winter, learning stress-reduction techniques and eating a healthy diet.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22523-seasonal-diffective-disorder/#ixzz0wskyQOw7
Tags: Depression, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Seasonal Affective Disorder
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August 17th, 2010
Talk to your doctor if you suspect your child has SAD. Doctors and mental health professionals make a diagnosis of SAD after a careful evaluation and a checkup to ensure that symptoms aren’t due to a medical condition that needs treatment. Tiredness, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, and low energy can be signs of other medical problems, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or mononucleosis.
When symptoms of SAD first develop, it’s not uncommon for parents to attribute low motivation, energy, and interest to an intentional poor attitude. Learning about SAD can help them understand another possible reason for the changes, easing feelings of blame or impatience with their child or teen.
Parents sometimes are unsure about how to discuss their concerns and observations. The best approach is usually one that’s supportive and nonjudgmental. Try opening the discussion saying something like, “You haven’t seemed yourself lately — you’ve been so sad and grouchy and tired, and you don’t seem to be having much fun. It seems like you’ve been feeling kind of worn out and exhausted — like you just can’t get enough sleep. So, I’ve made an appointment for you to get a checkup. I want to help you to feel better and get back to doing your best and enjoying yourself again.”
Here are a few things you can do if your child or teen has been diagnosed with SAD:
- Participate in your child’s treatment. Ask the doctor how you can best help your child.
- Help your child understand SAD. Learn about the disorder and provide simple explanations. Remember, concentration might be difficult, so it’s unlikely your child will want to read or study much about SAD — if so, just recap the main points.
- Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise and to spend time outdoors. Take a daily walk together.
- Find quality time. Spend a little extra time with your child — nothing special, just something low-key that doesn’t require much energy. Bring home a movie you might enjoy or share a snack together. Your company and caring are important and provide personal contact and a sense of connection.
- Be patient. Don’t expect symptoms to go away immediately. Remember that low motivation, low energy, and low mood are part of SAD — it’s unlikely that your child will respond cheerfully to your efforts to help.
- Help with homework. You may have to temporarily provide hands-on assistance to help your child organize assignments or complete work. Explain that concentration problems are part of SAD and that things will get better again. Kids and teens with SAD may not realize this and worry that they’re incapable of doing the schoolwork. You may also want to talk to the teachers and ask for extensions on assignments until things get better with treatment.
- Help your child to eat right. Encourage your child to avoid loading up on simple carbohydrates and sugary snacks. Provide plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Establish a sleep routine. Encourage your child to stick to a regular bedtime every day to reap the mental health benefits of daytime light.
- Take it seriously. Don’t put off evaluation if you suspect your child has SAD. If diagnosed, your child should learn about the seasonal pattern of the depression. Talk often about what’s happening, and offer reassurance that things will get better, even though that may seem impossible right now.
Tags: Children, Depression, Exercise, Healthy, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression, Sleep Routine, Support, Treatment
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August 12th, 2010
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Normally, new cells take about a month to move from the lowest skin layer where they’re produced, to the outermost layer where they die and flake off. With psoriasis, the entire life cycle takes only days. As a result, cells build up rapidly, forming thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are sometimes painful.
According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. It often appears between the ages of 15 and 25, but can develop at any age. Psoriasis treatments aim to interrupt the cycle that increases production of skin cells, thereby reducing inflammation and plaque formation. A new feature on MayoClinic.com focuses on psoriasis treatment options, including topical treatments, light therapy (phototherapy) and oral medications.
Topical Treatments
Used alone, creams and ointments applied to skin can effectively treat mild to moderate psoriasis. When skin disease is more severe, creams are likely to be combined with oral medications or phototherapy.
Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
As the name suggests, this psoriasis treatment uses natural or artificial light. The simplest and easiest form of phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms of light therapy include using artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light, either alone or in combination with medications.
Oral Medications
Severe psoriasis, or psoriasis that resists other types of treatment, may be treated with oral or injected drugs. Because of severe side effects, some of these medications are used for brief periods and may be alternated with other forms of treatment.
For more information, visit MayoClinic.com.
Tags: Light box, Light Therapy, Psoriasis
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August 10th, 2010
Some statistics on your health and sleep.
-Only 20% of teenagers get enough sleep (8-10 hours is optimal)
-According to a study done at the University of Michigan states that children who get less than 9.75 hours of sleep are 40% more likely to be overweight by sixth grade.
-The same study shows a direct correlation between the hours of sleep a child gets and their risk for obesity. The rate for obesity declines with more sleep.
-Adults who sleep less that 7 hours have a high risk for weight gain.
-Only 20% of teens get adequate sleep. A survey reported that 16% of teens admit to having sleep problems and 28% admit to falling asleep in school.
-New science relates the lack of adequate sleep to increased risk for obesity, depression, alcohol and drug abuse and future cardiovascular disease.
-Adolescents with a history of sleep problems are twice as likely to have ADHD as those without. Some ADHD medications can exacerbate the sleep quality issues.
-A good night of quality sleep is key to memory and learning. Our brain takes information in our short term memory and moves to the long term memory during sleep.
How can you and your family get the quality and ideal amount of sleep?
-Set a sleep schedule and do your best to keep it!
-Stay away from caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, as well as alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime.
-Stay physically active and exercise early in the day.
-Have a relaxing bedtime routine to get your body ready for sleep
-Make breakfast your biggest meal of the day.
-Get lots of bright light in the morning.
-Drink 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water per day. Even mild dehydration (1/2 cup of your body’s water) could turn into low-grade chronic fatigue.
-Naps are ok but try to limit them to 15 minutes.
-Go to bed when you are sleepy. If you don’t fall asleep in 15-20 minutes get up and leave the bedroom.
-Move the television out of the bedroom.
-Keep the bedroom cool and add blankets if you are chilly.
There are many things to try, but the important thing is to keep searching for the combination that is right for you and your body. Get the rejuvenating sleep that your body deserves every night. Try using a light box in the morning when you wake up to help keep your circadian rhythm in check.
Tags: Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Sleep disorders
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August 6th, 2010
When a patient has clinical depression, she has symptoms like sadness and anger that interfere in her life. Not all forms of depression are the same: each type of depression has different diagnostic criteria, such as the duration and number of symptoms. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that major depression, atypical depression and dysthymia are the most common forms of depression. Another depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, occurs only during certain times of the year.
Major Depression
Major depression is one type of depression that occurs in both children and adults, though it is more prevalent in women, according to the NIH. To be diagnosed with major depression, the patient must have five or more symptoms of depression that last for at least two weeks. Like other psychiatric disorders, these symptoms must be a change in the person’s normal mood and behavior, and must interfere in her ability to function. Examples of major depression symptoms include agitation, problems concentrating, sleeping difficulties, changes in appetite and weight, feeling hopeless or worthless, fatigue, withdrawal from once enjoyed activities, and suicidal thoughts. If, however, the patient has only two to four symptoms, she is diagnosed with minor depression.
Atypical Depression
The NIH states that one-third of patients with depression are diagnosed with atypical depression. The main diagnostic criteria of atypical depression is mood reactivity, where the patient’s mood either improves or deteriorates in response to an event; a patient with major depression, on the other hand, only has a depressed mood. In addition to the mood reactivity, the patient must have two or more of the following symptoms: a strong reaction to rejection, overeating, oversleeping and a heavy feeling in the limbs.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression that affects five percent of the population, according to the NIH. A patient can have just dysthymia, or dysthymia combined with another form of depression, like major depression, or a psychiatric disorder. To be diagnosed with dysthymia, the patient must have a low mood for at least two years and two other symptoms, like poor concentration, feeling hopeless, low self-esteem, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleeping problems.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the winter, though a rare form of SAD occurs during the summer, according to the NIH. For a patient to have SAD, symptoms must be present for at least two years, and he cannot have depressive episodes at other points of the year. Symptoms that distinguish SAD from other depressive disorders include decreased energy and concentration in the afternoon, lethargic movement, excessive daytime sleepiness, and carbohydrate cravings.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/89356-diagnostics-depression/#ixzz0vT7PCMyT
Tags: Depression, Light Therapy, SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Severe Depression
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August 4th, 2010
Sometimes known as the “winter blues,” people most commonly experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, during the fall or winter, when days grow shorter and there is less direct sunlight. Research has supported the use of light therapy in treating SAD, but the precise biochemical relationship between the onset and treatment of SAD remains unclear. There appear to be four key biochemical markers of SAD.
Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain. Levels appear to vary according to the amount of daily sunlight. In “Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder,” Dr. Norman Rosenthal summarizes a collection of studies examining the role of serotonin in SAD. Dr. Rosenthal was the first researcher to describe SAD. People with SAD often crave carbohydrates such as sweets and starches; increased carbohydrate consumption appears to raise serotonin levels in the brain, offering support for a relationship with SAD. When people with SAD received light therapy, administering drugs that lowered serotonin levels appeared to undo light therapy treatment gains. For these reasons, antidepressants such as SSRI’s that increase serotonin levels may help to alleviate SAD.
Dopamine
SSRI’s aren’t the only class of antidepressants that affect SAD. Another antidepressant, Bupropion, that has been found to help with SAD, increases levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with response to pleasurable experiences.
Norepinephrine
In addition to dopamine, Bupropion increases levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which may also alleviate symptoms of SAD. Norepinephrine increases secretion of melatonin, which research has been implicated in SAD. Because neurochemical processes are so complex, it’s possible that levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine all work in concert in creating or reducing SAD symptoms. All three are influenced by light therapy, the treatment of choice for SAD.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring chemical that helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Secretion of melatonin increases during dark periods and decreases during light exposure. Research has found an association between melatonin levels and SAD, although the precise relationship between the two is not entirely clear.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/94110-chemical-causes-seasonal-affective-disorders/#ixzz0vT6N797r
Tags: Depression, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD, SAD light, SAD lights, Winter Blues
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August 2nd, 2010
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic illness, which causes immense physical pain and unbearable fatigue. The word ‘fibromyalgia’ actually means “pain in the fibrous tissues in the body” and as such does not involve the joints, as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is not classified as a disease as it is a condition that causes many different symptoms, which affect all systems in the body. 90% of those affected are female (especially during child bearing ages) with most patients experiencing symptoms between the ages of twenty and forty. Children and the elderly can also be affected by FM.
So if you are suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome, you may be interested in trying a treatment that is associated with few side effects and positive results. Light therapy has been used for centuries in some countries to help cure chronic and acute pain. It is now available throughout North America to help reduce your fibromyalgia symptoms.
What is Light Therapy?
Light therapy is an alternative therapy used to help relieve a variety of physical illnesses, ranging from chronic pain to depression. Also known as phototherapy, light therapy delivers light beams to various areas of the body in order to trigger hormone release and healing. Practiced by physicians, physical therapists, and psychologists, light therapy uses bright, colored, and low-level forms of light to promote wellbeing.
Who Can Light Therapy Benefit?
Light therapy can offer long-term benefits to those suffering from a variety of health problems or illnesses. It is often used to treat:
- migraine headaches
- arthritis
- soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- seasonal affective disorder
- depression
- sleep disorders
How Can Light Therapy Benefit Fibromyalgia?
Light therapy is particularly useful for treating fibromyalgia syndrome. It can help to reduce:
- muscle pain
- mood disorders and depression
- fatigue
- insomnia
Bright Light Therapy
Bright light therapy is the most commonly used form of light therapy. It is based on the idea that your body is specifically attuned to light. Known as the circadian rhythm, your body’s sleep cycle, energy levels, and mood are all governed by changes in natural light. Bright light therapy uses high-powered fluorescent lights to help trigger the release of specific hormones which will help to restore your body’s natural circadian rhythm and your overall health.
How Effective is Light Therapy?
The effectiveness of light therapy has been debated over the years. However, recent studies now suggest that light therapy is very effective at reducing symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue, headache, and depression. In a study of migraine sufferers, 99% of migraine patients experienced a reduction in the number of headaches they experienced after using light therapy. Another study analyzed light therapy in fibromyalgia sufferers. 66% of sufferers using low light laser therapy experienced a reduction in muscle pain symptoms.
Side Effects of Light Therapy
The side effects caused by light therapy tend to be minimal and temporary. The most common side effects include eye sensitivity and irritation. You may also experience some mild nausea at the beginning of your light therapy sessions. Some patients complain of becoming restless or over-stimulated by light therapy. Reducing the time spent in light therapy can help to eliminate this restlessness
Who Shouldn’t Use Light Therapy?
Light therapy isn’t for everybody. Be sure to speak with your health care provider before trying any form of light therapy.
Get more information at:
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_light.html
Tags: Bright light therapy, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Light box, Light Therapy, SAD light, Sleep disorders
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