Light treatment for nonseasonal depression: speed, efficacy, and combined treatment

DF Kripke - Journal of affective disorders, 1998 - Elsevier
Journal of affective disorders, 1998Elsevier
Background: Using bright light for treating major depressive disorders which are not
seasonal needs reassessment. Methods: Clinical trials of light treatment for nonseasonal
major depressive disorders were compared with selected trials of light treatment of winter
depression and with antidepressant clinical drug trials. Results: Light treatment of
nonseasonal depression produces net benefits in the range of 12–35%, often within 1 week.
Conclusions: Light's value for nonseasonal and seasonal depression are comparable. Light …
Background
Using bright light for treating major depressive disorders which are not seasonal needs reassessment.
Methods
Clinical trials of light treatment for nonseasonal major depressive disorders were compared with selected trials of light treatment of winter depression and with antidepressant clinical drug trials.
Results
Light treatment of nonseasonal depression produces net benefits in the range of 12–35%, often within 1 week.
Conclusions
Light's value for nonseasonal and seasonal depression are comparable. Light appears to produce faster antidepressant benefits than psychopharmacologic treatment.
Limitations
Direct randomizing comparisons between light and medications for nonseasonal depression are not available.
Clinical relevance
Bright light can be combined with standard therapies for treating nonseasonal depressions and appears synergistic.
Elsevier