Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: rollin kent on 15/06/2008 22:58:22

Title: Do blind people have depression due to light deprivation?
Post by: rollin kent on 15/06/2008 22:58:22

rollin kent asked the Naked Scientists:
Hello naked scientists,
I've been listening to the NS for a year now and I've loved every show (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/).

I have a question you might help me with. Living in Norway for a few months last year, I became acutely aware of the importance of light to stave off depression -- I seem to be particularly susceptible to this. My question: do blind people suffer depressión from light deprivation?

Thanks and all the best,
rollin

What do you think?

Title: Do blind people have depression due to light deprivation?
Post by: Karen W. on 15/06/2008 23:49:42

Welcome to the forum and that is an interesting question... Makes me wonder does the light have to be seen in order to be a viable aid to ward off depression.. or does the light merely have to shine on you or about your body.. ?

I would think, purely guessing that it may aid you regardless as to weather it ie seen by your eyes, although one might think if the eye is unable to receive the light through the retina that the brain may not trigger the proper chemicals to prevent the depression???
I am strictly a layman and have no knowledge here in this But would be very curious to see what more educated experts think about that..

Kent.. someone will come with an educated answer.. Nice question...Enjoy the forum!

Title: Do blind people have depression due to light deprivation?
Post by: thedoc on 26/07/2008 18:20:27

Listen to this question on our podcast by clicking here (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/show/2008.07.06/)