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Hypericum in seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
1Feighner Research Institute, Charter Chelsea Clinic, London, UK.
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|April 27, 1999
Summary
Hypericum (Kira) significantly improved symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in a postal survey. Both Hypericum alone and with light therapy showed effectiveness, with combined therapy enhancing sleep quality.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Light Therapy
Background:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms related to seasonal changes.
- Treatment options for SAD include psychotherapy, light therapy, and pharmacotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Hypericum (Kira) as a treatment for SAD.
- To compare the effectiveness of Hypericum alone versus Hypericum combined with light therapy for SAD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was conducted with volunteers from the SAD Association.
- Participants completed an 11-item rating scale before and after an eight-week treatment period.
- Two groups were analyzed: one receiving Hypericum (Kira) alone, and another receiving Hypericum plus light therapy.
Main Results:
- Both treatment groups showed a statistically significant reduction in SAD symptoms (p < 0.001).
- Improvements were noted in anxiety, loss of libido, and insomnia for both groups.
- The combination of Hypericum and light therapy demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in sleep quality compared to Hypericum alone (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Hypericum (Kira) appears to be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- Combining Hypericum with light therapy may offer additional benefits, particularly for sleep disturbances in SAD patients.