Usage patterns of phototherapy in seasonal affective disorder.
We mailed a questionnaire to patients affected with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to determine patterns of self-selected light use and efficacy of treatment. Data obtained from 127 patients who responded indicate that despite, inconvenience and other use-limiting factors, many patients with SAD derive sustained benefit from phototherapy over months. No consistent pattern or duration of effective treatment emerged. Development of a less cumbersome means of delivering phototherapy and reimbursement by insurance companies remain concerns to patients.
Oren
D A
DA
Clinical Psychobiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Shannon
N J
NJ
Carpenter
C J
CJ
Rosenthal
N E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012621:Seasons; D012646:Self Administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires