Treatment of depression by the light

The treatment of depression for the elongation more than twenty years try to achieve with the aid of the light, designing for a change in the disrupted biological rhythms of sick person. It was experimentally proven that a change of the biological rhythms in the human organism occurs with his illumination by the luminous source of enhanced intensity. Were undertaken attempts at warning the seasonal aggravation of depression by "lengthening of the day period of twenty-four hours" with the aid of the artificial lighting and the deprivation of sleep. It is assumed that the bright and prolongedly influencing light influences in the centers of circadian rhythms, suppresses in the epiphysis (gland of internal secretion, the partly regulated activity of other organs of endocrine system) the secretion of melatonin, is produced a change of the concentration of hydrocortisone and ACTH in the blood of patient, it changes the synthesis of catecholamines, it possesses sympathicotonic and parasympathicotonic (due to the thermal effect) action. In the final analysis, these changes lead to the treatment of depression. For obtaining the therapeutic effect is necessary the illumination of accomodation not less than 2600 and not more than 8000 lux. The necessary illumination is achieved by the application of incandescent lamps, located on the ceiling of chamber at the height of approximately 2,5 it is meter. Usually are used 27 incandescent lamps on 200 W noted, that the effectiveness of treatment by light rises during painting of therapeutic accomodation in the white or green color, and also with the maximum (more than 25%) nakedness of body. Thoroughly they inspect before beginning the therapy by the light of patient. The treatment of depression by light can be conducted at any time of twenty-four hours both daily and from two - by three-day interruptions. During the therapeutic session the patients, whom they request not to only shut eye, can freely be moved through the room. The majority of specialists the positive effect of the therapy by light relates with strengthening of the cerebral cortex regulating functions, and also with the normalization of the activity of vegetative system. It is interesting to note sensitivity to the therapy by the light of patients with the manifestations of anxiety. To a lesser degree to this form of therapy react the patients with the symptoms of melancholy and apathy. Speaking about the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of this therapy should be noted the thermal effect of light. By general contra-evidence to the treatment of the depression and other mental disorders light are oncologic diseases and pathology of eyes. At present for treating the depression with the aid of the light special table instruments are developed.