Dear Dr. Hibberd:
I am a 57 year old woman who lives in Minnesota. I get depressed every winter. A friend suggested that I buy a light box. I hate to waste my money if this is ineffective. Do you think light boxes are worthwhile?

Answer:
Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by exposure to artificial light. Light therapy isn't effective for everyone. But you can take steps to get the most out of your light therapy and help make it a success. Talk to your doctor before purchasing a light therapy box. That way you can be sure your light box is safe, the right brightness and that its features make it convenient to use. Use your light box everyday, regularly during the winter.