Morning light therapy for postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a frequent complication of childbirth, but many women refuse pharmacological treatment. Little data exists on bright light therapy for PPD. Fifteen outpatient women with PPD were randomly assigned to bright light (10,000 lux, n = 10) or dim red light (600 lux, n = 5) and completed a 6-week trial and weekly assessments using self-report depression scales and clinician ratings of symptom course. Both groups showed significant improvement over time on all measures, with no significant difference between conditions.
Corral
M
M
Reproductive Mental Health Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. mcorral@providencehealth.bc.ca
Wardrop
A A
AA
Zhang
H
H
Grewal
A K
AK
Patton
S
S
D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010789:Phototherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies