http://www.sad.org.uk SAD.org.uk are a small UK National Voluntary Organisation dedicated to supporting people who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder by helping them find support, advice and information on the diagnosis and treatment of SAD. Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT http://www.sad.org.uk/#4 SAD.org.uk are a small UK National Voluntary Organisation dedicated to supporting people who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder by helping them find support, advice and information on the diagnosis and treatment of SAD. Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT http://www.sad.org.uk/#8 There are a diverse range of symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, many are associated with a feeling of general depression, which is why is sometimes known as the Winter blues. Below is a list of possible symptoms. An example of SAD Symptoms include:

• Lethargy, lacking in energy, unable to carry out a normal routine
• Sleep problems, finding it hard to stay awake during the day, but having disturbed nights
• Loss of libido, not interested in physical contact.
• Anxiety, inability to cope
• Social problems, irritability, not wanting to see people
• Depression, feelings of gloom and despondency for no apparent reason
• Craving for carbohydratesand sweet foods, leading to weight gain

It is always important to consult your doctor if you believe you have SAD as it may be another condition. Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT http://www.sad.org.uk/#6 SAD Light Therapy products are entirely safe to use for for the majority of people and if you are generally healthy you should have no problem using one. However, in some instances we advise you to consult your doctor or medical practitioner before you start using a lightbox and you should always consult your doctor for the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you:

• have an eye problem or if you are particularly sensitive to light.
• are (or have been) taking antidepressants or medication against epilepsy.

The people we have helped have often consulted their doctor prior to purchasing a SAD LightBox and our products have been recommended to them. Our SAD LightBoxes have been supplied to the NHS, BUPA and other medical service providers, practicioners and health advisors to treat various illnesses and conditions. A Common question we get asked is: Will I get a suntan from using a lightbox? Or is there UV in the lightbox that will harm me? We can confirm that you will not get a suntan from using a lightbox, nor will you be exposed to dangerous amounts of UV. Lightboxes have no more UV in them than any ordinary bulb. Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT http://www.sad.org.uk/#5 Below are list of questions you may wish to ask companies that sell SAD Light boxes to help you decide which one is best for you:

• Describe your situation and ask them which product they recommend for your situation
• Has this product been proven to be effective for the treatment of SAD?
• How much does the product that you have recommended cost?
• Are there additional costs for delivery of the product you have recommended?
• Are there any additional costs for things like bulb replacement?
• What are the dimensions and weight of the product you have recommended?
• What is the recommended treatment distance for the treatment time for the product?
• What is the recommended treatment time for the product you have recommended?
• Does the product that you have recommended come with at least a two year warranty?>
• Does your company have a returns policy that allows me to return your product for refund if it does not work for me?

Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT http://www.sad.org.uk#2 In the last few years LED light boxes for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder have been proven to be just as effective as traditional tube bulb SAD Light devices. SAD.org.uk recommends the use of LED Lightboxes as well as traditional tube bulb light therapy devices. Several other UK associations and companies seek to hold back the development of Light Therapy in the UK and Ireland by suggesting that LED light therapy devices have not been proven to be effective - whilst this may have been true 10 years ago - it is certainly not true today in 2008. Be very wary of reading information on the internet that is a few years old - Light Therapy the world over has developed considerably in the last few years. Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT http://www.sad.org.uk/#3 Although the light emitted by the sun appears to be white it is actually made up of the full spectrum of colours. This becomes apparent when sunlight shines through rain and it is split into the full spectrum of colours creating a rainbow. The theory behind conventional Full Spectrum (White Light) light boxes is that they effectively replicate sunshine. As a result they give the user a positive response when they are lacking sunshine. Historically only large ‘full spectrum’ light boxes were used to treat light deficiency disorders. However, advancements in research and technology have shown that a particular bandwidth of blue light is as effective or if not more in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Several other UK Organisations and Associations actively try to discredit Blue light Light Therapy treatment and try to suggest that there is no evidence to suggest it works. Again this argument is out of date and incorrect - an argument for the last century as it were. There are many studies in to the effectiveness of Blue light therapy and it is a clinically proven technology for the treatment of SAD. SAD.org.uk recommends the use of Blue Light Therapy boxes as well as traditional tube bulb light therapy devices. Mon, 23 June 2008 13:53:00 GMT