How to Buy Seasonal Affective Disorder Lamps

Seasonal Affective Disorder can be treated.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that usually sets in during the fall or winter and gets better as the weather warms in spring. It is thought to result from biochemical changes brought on by less exposure to sunlight. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, loss of interest in hobbies and social contact, and possibly weight gain. The treatment for this condition is often using special light boxes or lamps created for this purpose. These lamps are usually used for 30 to 90 minutes a day, according to the American Psychiatric Association. In addition, counseling and antidepressant medication may be recommended.

Instructions

Purchasing a Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Box or Lamp

1. Talk to your doctor and find out whether this type of lamp would be helpful in your situation, and if there is a specific kind the doctor recommends. With a prescription, health insurance companies will sometimes cover the cost of such a lamp.

2. Call your insurance company and explain the situation and the prescription to find out if it will pay for this item. According to Light Therapy Products, customers usually pay upfront for Seasonal Affective Disorder Lamps, then in some cases, insurance companies will reimburse the patient. People who don't have insurance or whose insurance won't cover this item generally pay between $200 to $500.

3. Go online and search for lamps for the treatment of SAD, as these are usually hard to find in stores. Research different lamps carefully. According to the Mayo Clinic, what you should be looking for is a lamp that puts out 10,000 lux from a comfortable distance, like several feet away. Also check to see that the lamp either shields ultraviolet light from the user, or that it only puts out a small amount. When buying a lamp for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder, make sure the lamp description specifically says it's for that purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• If your depression doesn't improve, talk to your doctor or consider seeing a therapist. You may need a more intensive treatment, or there could be other factors at work.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder
• American Psychiatric Association: Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Light Therapy Products: Insurance Information