Hypericum in seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Volunteers from the membership of the SAD Association took part in a postal survey, before and after eight weeks' treatment with Hypericum (Kira), using an 11-item rating scale. The maximum score is 44 and the mean score in 168 patients using Kira alone was 21.3. This fell to 13 at endpoint (p < 0.001). The corresponding figures for 133 patients using Kira + light therapy were 20.6 and 11.8, respectively (p < 0.001). In both groups, there was significant improvement in anxiety, loss of libido and insomnia. There were no significant between-group differences on any measure except that improvement in sleep was greater in the Kira + light group (p < 0.01). On the results of this survey, Hypericum would appear to be an effective treatment for SAD.
Wheatley
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Feighner Research Institute, Charter Chelsea Clinic, London, UK.
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D020448:Ericales / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D010936:Plant Extracts