Light boxes for seasonal affective disorder treatment has been known to be affective. This is an amazing treatment for the illness.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression, and is often treated by light box therapy. The therapy mimics outdoor light. This causes a biochemical change in the brain that lifts the mood and reduces the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Light boxes for seasonal affective disorder can be purchased over the counter and do not require a doctor's prescription. There are many internet retailers. You can also locate these boxes at some drug stores and some hardware stores.

Not all light boxes being sold have been tested to make sure they are safe and effective. Different light boxes work in different ways. They use different parts of the light spectrum and offer different illumination intensities. You should understand exactly what it is you are buying. Additionally, your health care professional should be consulted before you make your purchase. Some things you want to consider when purchasing your light box are SAD-specific qualified (be sure it is intended for use in treating SAD), intensity (10,000 lux is preferred and not just at close range), minimal UV exposure, LEDs, blue light, light direction, dawn simulation, cost (your health insurance may not cover it so be sure you are aware of the cost), style and convenience (some light boxes are not as portable as others. If you are serious about your treatment you should be able to take it with you on trips to continue treatment). These are all things that should be considered before you decide to take the plunge and purchase your new light box.

The treatment of seasonal affective disorder using light boxes has not been approved officially by the Food and Drug Administration because of the mixed evidence about its effectiveness. However, this treatment has shown to help those with some types of depression and with seasonal affective disorder.

All this having been said, before you spend a couple of hundred dollars on a new seasonal affective disorder light box, be sure to talk with your doctor, or mental health provider. They may be able to direct you with other options as well that will be beneficial.