Light Therapy (CBT-SAD)

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This particular study approximated the outcome differences between light therapy and CBT-SAD in an extensive, more definite test, and its results discredit the notion that light therapy is the best treatment. To measure the conditions and remission status of the patients, two measures were used: the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-SAD Version (SIGH-SAD) and the Beck Depression Inventory: 2nd Edition (BDI-II) (a self-reported measure). After the six-week period of treatment, the two forms of treatment showed remission rates that were approximately the same based on the SIGH (47.2% and 47.6%, Light therapy & CBT) and the BDI (63.6 and 56.0%). Severity of the depression measured with BDI and SIGH improved greatly …show more content…
In a study conducted by Stefan Hofmann, 106 meta-analytic studies were reviewed, researching CBT for problems including psychotic disorders, depression/ dysthymia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, general stress, anger, etc. Cognitive behavioral therapy promotes the preparation for and the management of depressive thinking. It keeps the depression from completely taking over by teaching people practical and real skills in order to establish an awareness of distortions that accompany SAD, and to change emotional/dramatic thinking into pragmatic thinking, repeatedly, until patients use rational thinking skills in place of ‘depression thinking’. Basically, CBT un-distorts thinking while giving SAD people the tools to voluntarily and consciously rewire their brains. Because it is used for many different mental disorders, CBT disorder-specific treatments can have very different techniques, but they all possess the same core model and a similar general approach. Modern CBT is a group of interventions which combines a variation of emotion-focused, behavioral and cognitive techniques. It has no side effects on the body other than mental differences and thinking (no physical effects). The disadvantages that accompany CBT-SAD seem relatively minor compared to those of light therapy. CBT requires mental commitment (and time commitment) to the process in order to maximize the benefits. Therapists can provide help and advice, but patient cooperation and effort is needed. In addition, it may entail periods of anxiety or emotional discomfort as it involves facing anxieties and emotions. CBT focuses on the patient’s own capacity and ability to change themselves (emotions, thoughts, and behaviors), but does not address broader problems in families or situations that frequently have a big impact on a person’s wellbeing and mental health. It’s
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