Depression Light Therapy

by Colette Dowling, LMSW

Though originally used for winter depression (SAD, or seasonal affective disorder), Depression Light Therapy is now used at any time of year. Columbia University's Light Therapy Program is based on the interaction between light exposure, the biological clock, hormone balance, and mood and energy regulation.

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS:

The first of its kind the U.S., Columbia’s Depression Light Therapy program serves patients near and far. (It requires only one visit to Columbia, located in New York City.) Those who enter the program receive clinical evaluation, an analysis of sleep-wake and biological rhythm patterns during depression, instruction in the method, and monitoring and dose adjustments. (Yes, light therapy can be “dosed” just as medication can.)

STEPS IN THE PROCESS:

Step 1. The patient seeing Depression Light Therapy completes a confidential questionnaire about history and symptoms. After the questionnaire is reviewed the patient is called with feedback.

Step 2. Next, the patient goes to Columbia to get a specially designed lightbox and receive evaluation, orientation and instruction. (If there are medication issues, Columbia will collaborate with the patient's psychiatrist.) This visit lasts about three hours.

Step 3. Depression Light Therapy begins at home. This includes keeping a daily log of sleep, mood and energy so that your progress can be tracked. Progress is closely followed for the first six weeks and light dose and timing are adjusted to maximize anti-depressant effect. After six weeks the program team remains available for further follow-up.

SPECIFICS OF THE TREATMENT:

Depression Light Therapy is self-administered, usually for 30 minutes in the morning before you leave home in the morning. During this time you can read, write, use your laptop, iPod or phone, watch small-screen TV, have breakfast.

You don't look directly into the light, which is adjusted to a safe and comfortable outdoor level.

A doctor will dose the intensity of the light and set the session duration and time of day to provide you with the best response.

Columbia will send you the fee schedule, a daily log sample and further program information when you request the questionnaire.

CONTACT:

Columbia Psychiatry Department, 212-305-6001. You may talk to a staff member about your interest in a general clinical evaluation for depression, light therapy, or both.

Or write to the program at:

Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 50 New York, NY 10032

E-mail address: lightion@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu

You will be mailed or e-mailed the Light Therapy Program confidential questionnaire. After you've filled it in and mailed it back, the program administrators will review it and you’ll be promptly called to arrange an appointment.

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Colette is a graduate of The Smith College School for Social Work, where she received an MSW. She has done advanced training at The Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, in New York city.

Ms. Dowling has a private therapy practice in New York and specializes in the treatment of women. She may be reached at 718-594-0201, or at dowlingcolette@earthlink.net

To hear Colette speaking about what it's like starting therapy with someone new, click the audio button.

For more about depression see Colette's website on women's mental health.