[Phototherapy].
Recommendations for a light therapy--PREVALENCE OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD): Ca. 2% of the adult population in Europe; female to male ratio 4:1.


METHODS
Recurrent major depressive episodes in winter with full remission in summer.
For 10,000 lux light boxes 30 minutes/day, for 2500 lux light boxes 1-2 hours/day.
If possible in the morning after awakening, otherwise at a time of day when a regular daily light therapy is practicable.
Often already after a week (2-4 weeks treatment produces a stable antidepressant effect).


RESULTS
Rare, can be avoided by reducing the light dosis.
None under normal conditions. Patients with ocular risk factors (e.g. photosensitizing medications) or preexisting retinal diseases should undergo ophthalmologic examination.
Light therapy is the first line treatment for SAD. For partial or non-response, combination of light with SSRIs is recommended.
Bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder; there is some preliminary evidence for usefulness in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and also for non-seasonal major depression.
Wirz-Justice
A
A
Abteilung Chronobiologie, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Basel.
Graw
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome