Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161].
BACKGROUND
Bright white light has been successfully used for the treatment of depression. There is interest in identifying which spectral colors of light are the most efficient in the treatment of depression. It is theorized that green light could decrease the intensity duration of exposure needed. Late Wake Treatment (LWT), sleep deprivation for the last half of one night, is associated with rapid mood improvement which has been sustained by light treatment. Because spectral responsiveness may differ by age, we examined whether green light would provide efficient antidepressant treatment in an elder age group.


METHODS
We contrasted one hour of bright green light (1,200 Lux) and one hour of dim red light placebo (<10 Lux) in a randomized treatment trial with depressed elders. Participants were observed in their homes with mood scales, wrist actigraphy and light monitoring. On the day prior to beginning treatment, the participants self-administered LWT.


RESULTS
The protocol was completed by 33 subjects who were 59 to 80 years old. Mood improved on average 23% for all subjects, but there were no significant statistical differences between treatment and placebo groups. There were negligible adverse reactions to the bright green light, which was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Bright green light was not shown to have an antidepressant effect in the age group of this study, but a larger trial with brighter green light might be of value.
Loving
Richard T
RT
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA. rloving@ucsd.edu
Kripke
Daniel F
DF
Knickerbocker
Nancy C
NC
Grandner
Michael A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003116:Color; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012646:Self Administration / Q000379:methods; D012892:Sleep Deprivation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D008550:Melatonin