Phototherapy as a recognised treatment

Phototherapy, or light therapy, has in recent years become a recognised and effective treatment method for a range of mental disorders. Its works by acting on circadian rhythms and neurotransmitters through light, leading to improved mood and other symptoms.

The most common diagnoses effectively treated with phototherapy include:

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is most often treated with phototherapy. Winter depression caused by lack of natural light is significantly improved by phototherapy.
• Non-seasonal depression: Phototherapy can also bring relief for depressive episodes that do not only occur in winter, especially in combination with other treatment methods.
• Sleep disorders: Phototherapy can help adjust the internal clock and improve sleep quality in people with insomnia or other sleep disorders related to circadian rhythm disturbances.
• Bipolar affective disorder: Phototherapy may be useful in treating the depressive phases occurring with this disorder.
• Seasonal affective disorder with atypical features: Increased appetite, weight gain and sleepiness may occur in this variant of SAD. Phototherapy can help relieve these symptoms.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Some studies suggest that phototherapy may help relieve the symptoms of this disorder, which manifests itself in significant mood changes before menstruation.

Other potential uses:

• Parkinson’s disease: Phototherapy can help improve mood and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
• Alzheimer’s disease: Some studies suggest that phototherapy may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Jet lag: Phototherapy can help you more quickly adapt to the time zone change and reduce the symptoms of jet lag.

How does phototherapy work?

• Synchronisation of the internal clock: The light resets the internal clock in the brain and helps synchronise it with the approximately 24-hour cycle.
• Influence of neurotransmitters: Light increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood.
• Decrease in melatonin production: Melatonin is a sleep hormone. Its reduced production during the day promotes alertness.