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A rapid-cycling bipolar patient treated with long nights, bedrest, and light
A Wirz-Justice1, C Quinto, C Cajochen
1Psychiatric University Clinic, Basel, Switzerland.
Biological Psychiatry
|July 1, 1999
Abstract
Background:
Stabilization of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is extremely difficult.
Methods:
A refractory bipolar I rapid-cycling patient on valproate was treated with long "nights" (extended sleep in darkness) and daytime light therapy.
Results:
Rapid cycling immediately stopped on initiation of a 10 hour dark/rest period. This was extended to 14 hours (plus a self-selected 1 hour midday nap) without problems. Depression gradually improved when midday light therapy was added; near-euthymia was attained after light therapy was shifted to the morning.
Conclusions:
Nonpharmacological chronobiological treatments may be a means to interrupt rapid cycling.