Adjunctive bright light in non-seasonal major depression: results from patient-reported symptom and well-being scales.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we tested the efficacy of bright light therapy as an adjunct to antidepressant treatment (sertraline) in patients with non-seasonal major depression.


METHODS
In a randomized double-blind controlled trial, 102 patients were treated for 5 weeks with either white bright light (10.000 lx, 1 h/day) or red dim light (50 lx, 30 min/day). All patients received sertraline in a dosage of 50 mg daily. The self-assessment scales used were the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the Psychological General Well-Being Scale (PGWB) and the Symptom Check List (SCL-90R).


RESULTS
On all three questionnaires the score differences between baseline and endpoint were greatest in the bright light group. On the SCL-90R, the difference reached statistical significance. Results and effect sizes are compared with results from Danish national population studies applying PGWB and SCL-90R.


CONCLUSIONS
The results advocate the use of bright light as an adjunct treatment of non-seasonal depression.
Martiny
K
K
Psychiatric Research Unit, Frederiksborg General Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark. kmar@fa.dk
Lunde
M
M
Undén
M
M
Dam
H
H
Bech
P
P
D017668:Age of Onset; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline