New research into seasonal depression (SAD) shows a natural alternative to Prozac

• Friday, 05 May 2006

New research: Light therapy as effective as Prozac in the treatment of seasonal depression - without the side effects.

05 May 06

Results of a three year clinical trial show that Light Therapy is just as effective as the antidepressant, Prozac, in the treatment of Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) without the adverse side affects.

SAD, believed to be caused by lack of exposure to full-spectrum natural light, is now a commonly recognised form of depression which affects an estimated ½ million people in the UK.

The recent study, conducted in four Canadian centres over three winter seasons, compared the effectiveness of light therapy and the antidepressant Fluoxetine (Prozac) in the treatment of SAD.

The results of the study showed that both treatments were equally as effective, although those patients exposed to light treatment showed an earlier response onset and a lower rate of some adverse effects relative to Fluoxetine.

With a worrying 3.5 million people in Britain estimated to be on antidepressants, light therapy provides a means to help combat depression in a more natural manner.

Editors Notes

The trial was conducted by Raymond W Lam, a member of the medical advisory panel to The Litebook. The results have been published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

The Litebook is registered as a medical device for light therapy treatment of SAD.

It uses patented LED technology to deliver intense bright white light at just the wavelengths necessary to maximise the suppression of melatonin. Because of its very small size, total portability and low power consumption, the Litebook is the product of choice for the treatment of SAD and offers significant benefits for those with hormone related body clock problems, e.g. jet lag, shift workers and teenage lethargy.

For more information visit www.litebook.info, email sales@definetrading.co.uk or call Barry Fowler on 0117 9680161

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