In 1984, Dr. Norman Rosenthal and his colleagues published a seminal research paper on seasonal affective disorder (SAD), unveiling what they were convinced was the healing power of light therapy for people suffering from the illness. Since then, many scientific and medical communities have come to believe that the therapeutic use of light holds great promise for not only SAD, but also a variety of other disorders. This wide-ranging book combines in a single, cohesive reference new, up-to-the-minute findings with a complete summary of the available literature on light therapy. Seventeen contributors, leading clinicians studying the effects and uses of light treatment, discuss the impact of light and light therapy on such conditions as SAD, premenstrual depression, circadian phase sleep disorders, jet lag, shift work disorders, insomnia, and behavioral disturbances. Challenging conventional thinking about light therapy, several contributing authors make convincing cases for its positive effects in treating nonseasonal depression, bulimia nervosa, and other illnesses. Finally, members of a joint task force of the Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms and the American Sleep Disorders Association explore the use of light for treating sleep disorders, as well as a combination of light and melatonin in some cases. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond is an invaluable reference tool for clinicians, researchers, scientists, students, and consumers who want the latest information and opinion about the therapeutic uses of light compiled in one succinct, comprehensive volume.

In nature, many physical processes are governed by the passage of time. The study of these processes - chronobiology - reveals rhythmic patterns which may be yearly, monthly, daily or more frequent. Novel drug delivery systems are currently being delivered that will release varying quantities of a drug at optimum times to coincide with these rhythmic patterns.Chronotherapeutics considers the pharmaceutical and therapeutic implications associated with biological clocks. The book presents a comprehensive discussion of specific diseases that are time dependent, and the drugs and new drug formulations that can be used as treatments.Written by leading international experts in the field, Chronotherapeutics provides up-to-date information on chronobiology for non-chronobiologists in pharmaceutical and medical sciences. Peter Redfern is Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Bath, UK.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has emerged as the standard first-line treatment for insomnia. The number of patients receiving non-medication treatments is increasing, and there is a growing need to address a wide range of patient backgrounds, characteristics, and medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia identifies for clinicians how best to deliver and/or modify CBT-I based on the needs of their patients. The book recommends treatment modifications based on patient age, comorbid conditions, and for various special populations. - Summarizes research on cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) - Directs clinicians how to modify CBT-I for comorbid patient conditions - Discusses comorbid sleep, psychiatric, and medical disorders - Specifies modifications across the lifespan for different client ages and conditions - Includes special populations: short sleepers and more

Seasonal affective disorder: what it is and how to overcome it.

Clinical Psychopharmacology offers a comprehensive guide to clinical practice that explores two major aspects of the field: the clinical research that exists to guide clinical practice of psychopharmacology, and the application of that knowledge with attention to the individualized aspects of clinical practice. The text consists of 50 chapters, organized into 6 sections, focusing on disease-modifying effects, non-DSM diagnostic concepts, and essential facts about the most common drugs. This innovative book advocates a scientific and humanistic approach to practice and examines not only the benefits, but also the harms of drugs. Providing a solid foundation of knowledge and a great deal of practical information, this book is a valuable resource for practicing psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, medical students and trainees in psychiatry, as well as pharmacists.

Light therapy' is established worldwide as the treatment of choice for seasonal affective disorder. It is also successfuly used in nonseasonal depression, as well as for many other psychiatric and neurologic illnesses, and in sleep medicine. ‘Wake therapy’ is the fastest antidepressant known. Imaging studies show that both methods share neurobiological substrates with antidepressants, but act much faster. 'Chronotherapeutics' – the combination of light and wake therapy – achieves rapid results and, by reducing residual symptoms, also minimises relapse. Written by three prominent clinical and research experts in biological rhythms, this manual aims to broaden knowledge and practical application of these non-pharmacologic interventions for bipolar and unipolar disorders. Clinical understanding is deepened by an explanation of the circadian timing system and sleep regulatory mechanisms which underlie the novel treatment strategy. The step-by-step guide and description of the interventions in centers throughout the world provides clear hands-on instructions, supported by a solid body of clinical research. The first edition of 'Chronotherapeutics for Affective Disorders' has kindled a network of psychiatrists and psychologists who are actively introducing these treatments for their inpatients and outpatients. This manual is also essential reading for primary care physicians, sleep medicine specialists and health care administrators.

A mood is defined as the prevailing psychological state (habitual or relatively temporary. It is further defined as a feeling, state or prolonged emotion that influences the whole of one's psychic life. It can also relate to passion or feeling. Mood can and does affect perceived health, personal confidence, one's perceptions of the world around us and our actions based on those perceptions. Moods can and do change often although mood swings of a sharp nature may be a symptom of underlying disease. Moods may signify happiness, anger, tension, or anxiety. Chronic periods of any mood state may be an indicator of a disorder as well. This new book gathers important research from throughout the world in this rapidly changing field.