This is known as Light Therapy - exposure to intense levels of light under controlled conditions. The most common form of treatment is via a light fixture that gives off bright, diffused light. The individual sits in front of this light box, which contains broad-spectrum flourescent lamps behind a diffusing screen, for a session of 15 minutes to one hour, once or twice a day. One need not look directly at the light, but read, write, eat, or carry on other activities while facing the light fixture. This treatment has few, if any, side effects, and those often abate on their own.
Most common complaints are of mild nausea, headaches, eyestrain, irritability or overactivity.
There are several manufacturers who produce light boxes in various models. This may be reimbursed by insurance, with the proper diagnosis and prescription from a physician, although coverage is unpredictable. Other strategies for managing SAD include use of antidepressants. For those severely afflicted, it may be necessary to relocate closer to the equator. Dr. Terman is currently overseeing two NIH 5 year trials of possible new treatments.