By Dr. David Woo - July 22, 2024

Depression is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional treatments like medication and therapy are well-known, there is growing interest in the potential role of sunlight therapy for depression. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to improve depression systems under certain circumstances. At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, we are dedicated to exploring and implementing various treatments to help our patients achieve good mental health. To explore whether sunlight can be a viable part of a depression treatment plan, we examine the scientific evidence connecting sunlight and depression, the role of vitamin D, and the benefits of sunlight therapy for depression compared with the advanced treatments available at Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, including medication management and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Jump to:

• Sunlight Therapy For Depression: The Evidence
• What Are The Effects Of A Lack Of Sunlight?
• Does Light Therapy For Depression Work?
• Treatments At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry
• Light Therapy VS Medications VS TMS For Depression
• Depression Treatment In NYC

Sunlight Therapy For Depression: The Evidence 

Research has consistently shown a beneficial correlation between sunlight exposure and mental health. Two ways in which sunlight improves our physical and mental health include:

• Serotonin: One of the primary mechanisms through which sunlight affects mood is its influence on the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Addressing serotonin imbalance forms the basis of many depression treatments. Sunlight triggers the brain to release serotonin, which can help improve mood and promote a sense of calm and focus (1).
• Vitamin D: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is produced in the skin in response to UVB rays. Vitamin D is crucial for various bodily functions, including bone health, immune function, and inflammation reduction. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D also plays a significant role in brain health and mood regulation.

What Are The Effects Of A Lack Of Sunlight?

Recent studies have found that individuals with lower exposure to sunlight report poorer mental health (2). During the darker months, people are also at a higher risk of developing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually in the winter when sunlight is scarce, but it can occur during other seasons as well. This suggests that increasing sunlight exposure could be a simple yet effective way to help manage depressive symptoms.

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depression. A meta-analysis of several studies indicated that individuals with low vitamin D levels are more likely to experience depressive symptoms (3). Supplementing vitamin D in deficient individuals has shown promise in reducing these symptoms, although more research is needed to establish definitive guidelines (4).

Does Light Therapy For Depression Work?

For individuals living in areas with limited sunlight exposure, especially during the winter, light therapy can be an effective treatment for depression. Light therapy involves exposure to a lightbox that mimics natural sunlight, usually for about 20-30 minutes each day. This treatment can help regulate the body’s internal clock and improve mood by stimulating serotonin production and balancing melatonin levels, which affect sleep patterns.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of light therapy as a first-line intervention to treat SAD (5). However, although the role of light therapy in treating non-seasonal depression, i.e., Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is being explored, it needs more research before any conclusions can be drawn (6). Unless your depression is seasonal in nature, or the main symptoms of concern are sleep disruption, then light therapy can, at best, play a supplementary role to other treatments such as therapy, medications, and TMS, which are better supported by evidence.

Treatments At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry

At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, we recognize that every individual’s experience with depression is unique. We are committed to providing personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. In addition to exploring the benefits of sunlight and light therapy, we offer two primary treatment modalities: medication management and TMS.

Medication Management

Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often a critical component of depression treatment. However, everyone responds differently to different types of medications, and a drug or dosage that works for one patient may not be effective for another.

This variation in response to medications is why Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry offers medication management services to patients in New York City. Our experienced psychiatric team works closely with patients to develop individualized medication plans that target their specific symptoms and improve their quality of life, avoiding side effects and making patients get the most out of their medication with minimal disruption. 

Life in New York can be busy and stressful, but medication management shouldn’t be ignored—getting on the right treatment regime can make a world of difference. At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, we offer telehealth consultations via video call for medication management, ensuring that you can still access our professional expertise when it’s convenient for you. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an innovative treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted brain areas, strengthening neural connections and improving overall mood. TMS is especially recommended for patients with depression who have not responded to traditional medications and has also shown promise in treating SAD.

TMS is:

• FDA-approved: For treatment-resistant depression and related conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Non-invasive: TMS does not require anesthesia or surgery. Patients remain in their natural state, awake and alert during the entire process.
• Drug-free and well-tolerated: Unlike medications, TMS has few side effects, making it a good option for individuals who experience intolerable side effects from medications or wish to avoid drug interactions for other reasons, e.g., pregnant women.
• Effective: TMS has been proven to reduce depressive symptoms significantly, particularly in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
• Convenient: Treatment sessions are conducted in the clinic, typically last about 20-40 minutes, and allow patients to return to their daily activities immediately afterward.

Light Therapy VS Medications VS TMS For Depression

Depression Treatment In NYC

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, it is essential to seek professional help. At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care, whether through medication and therapy or innovative treatments such as TMS, to help you manage your depression and live a happy, fulfilling life. 

For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, please call (212) 731-2033 or contact us via our online form. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more hopeful future.

Read more about seasonal depression:

• What Is Seasonal Depression?
• Can You Experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the Summer?
• Does TMS Work for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?
• Springtime Blues Or Clinical Depression? How To Tell The Difference

Resources:

1. Pourhamzeh, M., Moravej, F.G., Arabi, M. et al. The Roles of Serotonin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 42. 2022;1671–1692. Link. Accessed June 13, 2024.
2. Wang, J., Wei, Z., Yao, N., Li, C., & Sun, L. Association Between Sunlight Exposure and Mental Health: Evidence from a Special Population Without Sunlight in Work. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy. 2023;16, 1049-1057. Link. Accessed June 13, 2024.
3. Li H, Sun D, Wang A, Pan H, Feng W, Ng CH, Ungvari GS, Tao L, Li X, Wang W, Xiang YT, Guo X. Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Depression in Older Adults: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019;27(11):1192-1202. Link. Accessed June 13, 2024.
4. Menon, V., Kar, S. K., Suthar, N., & Nebhinani, N. Vitamin D and Depression: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence and Future Directions. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2020;42(1), 11-21. Link. Accessed June 13, 2024.
5. Chen ZW, Zhang XF, Tu ZM. Treatment measures for seasonal affective disorder: A network meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. 2024;350:531-536. Link. Accessed June 13, 2024.
6. Campbell, P. D., Miller, A. M., & Woesner, M. E. Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond. The Einstein Journal of Biology and Medicine. 2017;32, E13.  Link. Accessed June 13, 2024.

Dr. David Woo

Dr. Woo has been seeing patients in private practice since 2002, always with the goals of combining evidence-based medicine with psychodynamic psychotherapy and collaborating with other mental health professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. He has been certified to administer TMS at his practice since 2017. His greatest clinical interests include helping patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder.