Abstract
Objective: In this study, we tested the efficacy of bright light therapy as an adjunct to antidepressant treatment (sertraline) in patients with non-seasonal major depression. Method: In a randomized double-blind controlled trial, 102 patients were treated for 5 weeks with either white bright light (10.000 lx, 1 h/day) or red dim light (50 lx, 30 min/day). All patients received sertraline in a dosage of 50 mg daily. The self-assessment scales used were the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the Psychological General Well-Being Scale (PGWB) and the Symptom Check List (SCL-90R). Results: On all three questionnaires the score differences between baseline and endpoint were greatest in the bright light group. On the SCL-90R, the difference reached statistical significance. Results and effect sizes are compared with results from Danish national population studies applying PGWB and SCL-90R. Conclusion: The results advocate the use of bright light as an adjunct treatment of non-seasonal depression.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Book series | Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica |
| Volume | 111 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Pages (from-to) | 453-459 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISSN | 0001-690X |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2005 |
Keywords
- Cross-sectional studies
- Light
- Melancholia
- Phototherapy
- Randomized controlled trial
- Seasonal depression
- Self-assessment