Depression

Brain Stimulation Utilizing Light and Sound Technology/Depression
Ruth Olmstead, Ph.D.

Light and Sound Stimulation, also known as brain wave entrainment, has been found to increase brain activity through computer technology using varied flickering white lights placed over the eyes, and through the use of specified sounds and tones heard while wearing headphones.

The rate of the flickering light causes the brain waves to "entrain" or match any set fequency to a more appropriate rate, such as beta, alpha, or theta, depending on the desired results. At certain frequencies, this flickering can cause a major reduction of anxiety and induce deep mental and physical relaxation. This stimulation also increases the release of certain known neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and endorphin. Endorphin, which is an amino acid secreted in the brain, has a pain-relieving effect like that of morphine and lowers pain intensity. Reseach suggests this endorphin release reduces depression and aids emotional stability, giving one a calmer, more restful approach to life.

Clinical studies show Light and Sound Stimulation promote significant reduction in stress and excessive tension while increasing personal realization and cognitive awareness, resulting in improved academic performance. Preliminary studies with children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) found significant increases in memory, comprehension, and concentration skills with overall improved academic performance when undergoing Light and Sound Stimulation.

Research evaluating the effects produced by Light and Sound Stimulation have indicated:

• Increased deep mental and physical relaxation that lowers tension and reduces the effect of pain
• Improved long- and short-term memory
• Increased IQ scores
• Increased ability to focus and concentrate
• Decreased fatigue
• Improved academic performance
• Improved self-confidence
• Increased right/left visual/spacial integration
• Greatly increased creativity and ideas with attendant application
• Improved decision making and holistic problem solving

Light and Sound Stimulation and Brainwave Entrainment also aids in reducing the frequency of headache and Migraine Cephalgia, insomnia, and occurrences of anxiety and depression.

Depression Basics

Some people say that depression feels like a black curtain of despair coming down over their lives. Many people feel like they have no energy and can't concentrate. Others feel irritable all the time for no apparent reason. The symptoms vary from person to person, but if you feel "down" for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, you may be clinically depressed.

Most people who have gone through one episode of depression will, sooner or later, have another one. You may begin to feel some of the symptoms of depression several weeks before you develop a full-blown episode of depression. Learning to recognize these early triggers or symptoms and working with your doctor will help to keep the depression from worsening.

Depression-Related Mood Disorders

Major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as "depression," can severely disrupt your life, affecting your appetite, sleep, work, and relationships.

The symptoms that help a doctor identify depression include:

• Constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
• Decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
• Loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
• A change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
• A change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
• Restlessness or feeling slowed down
• Decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
• Thoughts of suicide or death

If you are experiencing any or several of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about whether you are suffering from depression.