title: Effect of bright white light on non-seasonal depressive disorder.
abstract: In previous research, the therapeutic effect of bright white light for so so-called seasonal affective disorder was clearly confirmed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible beneficial effects of bright white light in non-seasonal depression. 30 patients fulfilling RDC-criteria for major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to a 7 day exposure from 7.20 to 9.20 a.m. The degree of illness was ascertained both objectively with observer rating scales (Hamilton Depression Scale, AMDP-system) and through self-rating scales (Complaint List and Depression Scale by von Zerssen). No difference was noted between bright light and dim light though a significant reduction of depressive symptomatology was observed for all patients during the treatment. These results were consistent for both observer rating and self-rating. In conclusion, bright white light has no superior effect as compared to dim light exposure in non-seasonal depression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Free University of Berlin (West), Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mackert
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Volz
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Stieglitz
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Müller-Oerlinghausen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales