Precautions

Click on the links below to learn more about light therapy approaches used to treat depression.

Now that you have learned about light therapy, move on to the next section to read a summary of the material presented in this unit.

Light therapy poses similar risks to patients as other antidepressant therapies (MayoClinic.com). There is a theoretical concern about inducing mania in patients who have bipolar tendencies and inducing suicidal ideation when first starting therapy. All patients should be warned about these possibilities.

Other precautions to consider:

  • The potential for eyestrain exists and with eye problems should consult an ophthalmologist before beginning to use a light box.

  • Patients should be instructed not to look directly at the light as there is theoretical concern of inducing macular degeneration, especially when using lights that work in the blue spectrum range. The newer blue/green wavelength lights are designed to focus their light in the safer end of the blue spectrum.

  • Caution should be used in treating patients with photosensitive skin or who are using photosensitizing medications.

  • Other, less serious reported side effects are similar to those elicited by antidepressant medications and include:

      • Headache

      • Nausea

      • Insomnia

      • Fatigue

      • Dry Mouth

      • Irritability

Patients should be encouraged to report adverse effects to their practitioner, as many side effects can be lessened or eliminated by changing the position of the light or the amount of time spent using the light.