Posted by caml on September 24, 2002, at 8:55:40
In reply to SAD Lights, anyone with experience using these, posted by Jaynee on September 24, 2002, at 0:32:41
Hi Jaynee,
I have used phototherapy before when I wasn't taking any medication. I found that my mood and motivation levels improved using the lamp for 3 hours per day, but this is an individual thing.As
I was not receiving any other form of deliberate therapy I assumed that the lamp played a significant part in my improvement at that time.
After approximately 3 months I stopped using the lamp, and over the following 4-6 weeks my mood level and motivation deteriorated. I had not participated in any maintenance programme with the lamp at all.Instead of appreciating that I may have had some part to play in this deterioration through my lack of maintenance, I simply blamed the lamp for not being effective and threw it out. In retrospect, a big mistake.Being aware that research may have altered some of these facts, these are my tips for lamp use:
1) Strength should be at least 10,000 lux ( this is UK measure, may be different in USA)
2) Use full spectrum bulbs as opposed to flourecent as it helps make vitamin D
3) Use Flourecent bulbs if skin reddens while using full spectrum bulbs
4) Always ensure the provide lamp screen is in place to absorb radiation from bulbs.
5) Ask supplier if they offer an agreed return period should you find the lamp is of no use. There may be a small financial penalty for this, but worth it if you don't find the lamp useful.
6) Don't be impatient, try different time periods( I found a week at each level was enough to know)
to find the useful one for you.7) If you buy a lamp and keep it,never throw it away as it may be useful in the future to you or someone else you know.
Sorry this has been lengthy but hope it is of some use.
Good luck
caml
poster:caml
thread:120896
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020922/msgs/120918.html