An open trial of morning light therapy for treatment of antepartum depression.
OBJECTIVE
About 5% of pregnant women meet criteria for major depression. No pharmacotherapy is specifically approved for antepartum depression; novel treatment approaches may be welcome. The authors explored the use of morning bright light therapy for antepartum depression.


METHODS
An open trial of bright light therapy in an A-B-A design was conducted for 3-5 weeks in 16 pregnant patients with major depression. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Seasonal Affective Disorders Version, was administered to assess changes in mood. A follow-up questionnaire was used to assess outcome after delivery.


RESULTS
After 3 weeks of treatment, mean depression ratings improved by 49%. Benefits were seen through 5 weeks of treatment. There was no evidence of adverse effects of light therapy on pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide evidence that morning light therapy has an antidepressant effect during pregnancy. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to test this alternative to medication.
Oren
Dan A
DA
Pychiatry Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA. doren1@mac.com
Wisner
Katherine L
KL
Spinelli
Margaret
M
Epperson
C Neill
CN
Peindl
Kathleen S
KS
Terman
Jiuan Su
JS
Terman
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010789:Phototherapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome