After reviewing the robust research, applying proven methods, and observing the remarkable improvements in my clients, I now question how I ever managed as a mental health professional without first assessing for light deprivation.

Light is linked to our biological clocks and therefore has an impact on our sleep, mood, alertness, performance, body temperature, etc.

I will forever be its student as I offer keynote speeches to the general public, training to professionals and consultations to workplace leaders in order to allow more people to benefit from its advantages.

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*Currently only available in French

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

"More than thirty years of clinical and neurobiological research support the diagnosis of SAD."(1)

"SAD is a type of clinical depression that regularly occurs in the winter, with normal mood in the summer. Light therapy is an effective and safe treatment for SAD.” (2) 

IMPORTANT: Light therapy is used for much more than SAD (see below "Areas in Which Light Therapy Is Used")

INTERESTING FACTS

  • In Florida, SAD affects about 1.4% of the population; above the 38th parallel about 5%; it rises to over 9% in Alaska (3,4).

  • Another 14% of adults suffer a lesser form of SAD known as the winter blues (5), and about one third of adults experience winter slumps (fall or winter gloom that could last until May) (4).

  • A study found that 46% of women with SAD also suffered from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS) (6).

  • Current medications are effective for treating depression, but do not help perhaps half of those seeking help (7).

  • If used appropriately and with effective follow-ups by a professional, light therapy has a success rate of 50-80%, according to different studies.

  • Light therapy can deliver its effects as rapidly as within 4-6 days, with few side effects and easy adjustments.

AREAS IN WHICH LIGHT THERAPY IS USED 

WARNING: DO NOT USE WITHOUT CONSULTING A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL

  • Age-related insomnia

  • Alzheimer's disease (mild cognitive impairment)

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Borderline personality disorder (sleep quality and daytime alertness)

  • Chronic depression

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome

  • Delayed and advanced sleep-phase disorders

  • Depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression

  • Depression (nonseasonal and seasonal)

  • Eating disorders (e.g. bulimia nervosa)

  • Fatigue linked to cancer

  • Jet lag disturbance

  • Menopause and premenopause

  • Parkinson's disease

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMS)

  • SAD, winter blues and winter slumps

  • Shift work

SERVICES OFFERED (nation-wide)

SPEAKER, small and large venues (see below for topics)eg. Vankleek Hill, 2016

SPEAKER, small and large venues

eg. Vankleek Hill, 2016

TRAINER to professionalseg. Hawkesbury, ON, 2016 (Dr. Boudrias, member of a group training)

TRAINER to professionals

eg. Hawkesbury, ON, 2016 (Dr. Borduas, member of a group training)

CONSULTANT to individuals, teams, organizations

eg. in clinical and work settings

EXAMPLE OF POPULAR SPEAKING TOPICS

Light Therapy

  • Revolutionizing Health with Light Medication: Applications for Work and Home Environments

  • Let's Be Bright: Supercharging Our Brain with Light

  • Winter Blues and the W5 of Light Therapy

  • Chronotherapeutics and Light Therapy (for professionals)

Depression AND RESILIENCE

  • Essential Steps to Beating Depression

  • From Surviving to Thriving: A Lifestyle of Difference

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

INDIVIDUALS

  • How do I know if I need light therapy?

  • How does light therapy really work?

  • What type of lamp should I use?

  • How, when, how long and at what distance should I use a lamp?

  • What are the side effects and risks?

  • What type of bulbs are used? Could I build my own?

  • What if I have eye or skin issues? 

  • Can it be used jointly with medication?

  • What about UV, vitamin D and omegas?

  • Do I get the same benefits from the sun or through a window?

  • Is this the same as a tanning bed?

  • Do insurance companies cover costs?

ORGANIZATIONS

  • Should we get our work place assessed?

  • How would employees/patients/clients/students/etc. benefit from improved lighting?

  • Is this worth the investment? 

  • How do we know if this is working?

  • Where do we start?

    JOIN DR. FILION TO INVITE HER AS A SPEAKER.

REFERENCES

  1. Wirz-Justice, A., Benedetti, F, Terman, M. (2013). Chronotherapeutics for Affective Disorders. A Clinician’s Manual for Light and Wake Therapy. Basel: Karger.

  2. Lam, R.W., Tam, E.M. (2009). A Clinician's Guide to Using Light Therapy, Clinician Resource Package. Vancouver Coastal Health: UBC Hospital. 

  3. Rohan, K.J. (2009). Coping with the Seasons. A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Seasonal Affective Disorder Workbook. New York: Oxford University Press.

  4. Terman, M. (2013). Reset Your Inner Clock. The Drug-Free Way to Your Best-Ever Sleep, Mood, and Energy. New York: Penguin Group. 

  5. Rosenthal, N.E. (2013). Winter Blues. Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder. New York: Guildford Press.

  6. Lam, R.W., Tam, E.M. (2009). A Clinician's Guide to Using Light Therapy. New York: Cambridge University Press.

  7. Levitan, R. CAMH Website: http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/about_camh/newsroom/news_releases_media_advisories_and_ backgrounders/current_year/Pages/light-therapy-effective-general-depression.aspx