[Platelet serotonin transport in the group of outpatients with seasonal affective disorder before and after light treatment, and in remission (in the summer)].
OBJECTIVE
To asses the results of phototherapy on platelet serotonin transport in the group of patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), DSM-IV criteria, with complete clinical remission during the summer period.


METHODS
It was a 3 year prospective study. 33 patients were qualified, 20 participated in at least two assessments (before and after light treatment) and were included in the final analysis. During the study, the patients were not using psychotropic drugs. The intensity of depression was measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD21), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Clinical Global Impression Scale. We measured Bmax and Kd of [3H] citalopram in the platelets of the patients.


RESULTS
13 patients dropped out from the study. There was a significant reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD21) score after therapy vs. before treatment. Further reduction during the summer was also observed. Kd for citalopram binding was significantly higher after phototherapy than before treatment, the same was true for the Bmax value, but only in the subgroup of patients with depression with atypical symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Phototherapy is an effective method of treatment for SAD patients, although during the summer period the intensity of depression falls significantly vs. the period after light treatment. Phototherapy had a significant influence on both the measured serotonin transport parameters (Bmax and Kd). One may suggest that an influence of light treatment on the psychomotor drive is greater than on depressive mood.
Swiecicki
Lukasz
L
II Klinika Psychiatryczna IPiN, Warszawie.
Bidziński
Andrzej
A
Tonderska
Anna
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012074:Remission Induction; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D012621:Seasons; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D012701:Serotonin