Light therapy
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment modality that utilizes various types of light—such as monochromatic, polychromatic, and ultraviolet—to address a range of disorders. It is most commonly recognized for its effectiveness in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep disorders, and certain psychological conditions, as well as conditions like psoriasis and some cancers in dermatology and oncology. The therapy typically involves exposing individuals to bright, full-spectrum light for specific durations, which can vary based on the individual's condition and needs.
While many find relief through light therapy, it is important to note that not everyone responds positively, and some may experience side effects like insomnia or heightened sensitivity to light. Careful monitoring by healthcare providers is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness, as improper use can lead to eye damage. The growing interest in non-invasive treatments has spurred further exploration into light therapy, with ongoing research into different light frequencies, intensities, and applications to expand its therapeutic uses. Overall, light therapy presents a promising avenue for improving mental and physical health, particularly in environments where natural light is limited.
Light therapy
Anatomy or system affected: Brain, nervous system, psychic-emotional system, skin
Definition: A noninvasive procedure using exposure to light as the mechanism for clinical treatment
Indications and Procedures
Light therapy, or phototherapy, treats a variety of disorders. By exposing individuals to different kinds of light—monochromatic, polychromatic, ultraviolet—symptoms can often be delayed, reduced, or eradicated. Immunological, neurotransmitter, and neuroendocrine systems play key roles in response to this type of treatment.
Best known in psychiatry, light therapy serves as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression; bulimia nervosa; sleep disorders; and “sundowner’s syndrome,” the late afternoon confusion and agitation sometimes accompanying Alzheimer’s disease. Shift workers can also experience difficulties related to light exposure, and light therapies may provide some relief. Reduced environmental light is a factor in the etiology, onset, or maintenance of these problems. Thus, treatment involves exposing individuals to bright, full-spectrum light for specific time periods. Duration of exposure and light intensity vary by the disorder and the individual treated.
In dermatology and oncology, light therapy treats psoriasis, skin ulcers, tumors, and esophageal cancers. The type of light and the intensities used, however, vary considerably from those applied for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Uses and Complications
The side effects of light therapy are best documented in psychiatry: insomnia, mania, and (less frequently) morning hot flashes have been noted. Persons with other sensitivity to light, such as those prone to migraines, may also need to exercise caution with light therapy in order to avoid undesirable effects. Careful monitoring by medical providers of the patient’s response to treatment is necessary. Additionally, professionals advise morning administrations of light therapy. Users of light therapy must also be cautioned to adhere closely to recommended doses and intensity of exposure to light. Use of light outside prescribed parameters may be damaging to the eyes.
Blue light therapy uses light similar to that produced by a cellphone or TV and is often used in the treatment of jaundice. Red light therapy is more often used for reducing the appearance of scars, acne, aging, or redness.
Light therapy is not effective universally. Some patients may experience no improvement. For seasonal affective disorder, evidence suggests that younger individuals whose depression involves weight gain and increased sleep may be most likely to respond to treatment. For psoriasis, complementary treatments, such as psychotherapy, may facilitate a response to treatment.
Perspective and Prospects
Light and dark cycles are a biological reality; thus, it is no surprise that light affects physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As the interest in noninvasive interventions increases, the attention given to environmental treatments such as light therapy is likely to increase as well. Recent developments in the use of light therapy for sleep and behavioral disorders are fueling clinical, research, consumer, and other business interests in this procedure. Experimentation with different frequencies or colors of light, doses, intensities, and sites on the body for the application of light is ongoing and likely to increase the diversity of uses for this type of treatment. Additionally, applications of light-based interventions in the workplace and elsewhere may prove useful in preventing disorders related to light deprivation and in helping to affect productivity, directly and indirectly.
Bibliography
Gold, Michael H. Photodynamic Therapy in Dermatology. Scholars Portal, 2019.
Goldberg, Burton, John Anderson, and Larry Trivieri, eds. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. 2nd ed., Celestial Arts, 2002.
Palmer, John D. The Living Clock: The Orchestrator of Biological Rhythms. Oxford University Press, 2002.
"Phototherapy (Light Therapy)." Cleveland Clinic, 28 Oct. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24385-phototherapy-light-therapy. Accessed 15 July 2023.
"Psoriasis Treatment: Phototherapy." American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/phototherapy. Accessed 15 July 2023.
Rosenthal, Norman E. Winter Blues: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder. 4th ed., Guilford Press, 2013.
Safer, Diane A., and Michael Woods. "Phototherapy." Health Library, 26 Nov. 2012.