8 Marker- Cognitive
Q. Evaluate light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
AO1 AO3
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a It is not clear as to whether the therapy
mood disorder in which patients experience brings about an effect because of physical
depression. It is common in winter months changes in physiology or due to psychology
due to the lack of light as the days are (placebo effect). Terman Et al found out that
shorter. there was a placebo effect in 32% of
participants. However since the therapy is
unharmful it may as well be carried out.
Light therapy involves using a light box In the Terman Et Als experiment they found
which emits UV radiation replicating out that there was significant improvement
sunlight. in 60% of the bright light group.
Light therapy works by replicating sunlight, Since light therapy reduces the level of
which in turn reduces the levels of melatonin it can also come with side effects
melatonin released. This increases such as insomnia which could have a
serotonin production, which promotes the negative impact on the patients.
quality of sleep.
Light therapy usually starts after the Light therapy doesn't always work for
duration of one week for mood disorders. everyone, if people face conditions with
their eyes (previous to the therapy) it could
have an even more negative impact on the
patient and make their condition worse.
Light therapy follows a distinct schedule in
order to be effective. It may be difficult for a
person who is distracted, for instance by
their social life, to follow this schedule.
Q. Evaluate light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder.
AO1 AO3
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a It is not clear as to whether the therapy
mood disorder in which patients experience brings about an effect because of physical
depression. It is common in winter months changes in physiology or due to psychology
due to the lack of light as the days are (placebo effect). Terman Et al found out that
shorter. there was a placebo effect in 32% of
participants. However since the therapy is
unharmful it may as well be carried out.
Light therapy involves using a light box In the Terman Et Als experiment they found
which emits UV radiation replicating out that there was significant improvement
sunlight. in 60% of the bright light group.
Light therapy works by replicating sunlight, Since light therapy reduces the level of
which in turn reduces the levels of melatonin it can also come with side effects
melatonin released. This increases such as insomnia which could have a
serotonin production, which promotes the negative impact on the patients.
quality of sleep.
Light therapy usually starts after the Light therapy doesn't always work for
duration of one week for mood disorders. everyone, if people face conditions with
their eyes (previous to the therapy) it could
have an even more negative impact on the
patient and make their condition worse.
Light therapy follows a distinct schedule in
order to be effective. It may be difficult for a
person who is distracted, for instance by
their social life, to follow this schedule.
