Related Experiment Videos
[Phototherapy]
1Abteilung Chronobiologie, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Basel.
Abstract:
Recommendations for a light therapy--PREVALENCE OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD): Ca. 2% of the adult population in Europe; female to male ratio 4:1.
Diagnosis:
Recurrent major depressive episodes in winter with full remission in summer.
Duration Of Light Therapy:
For 10,000 lux light boxes 30 minutes/day, for 2500 lux light boxes 1-2 hours/day.
Time Of Day:
If possible in the morning after awakening, otherwise at a time of day when a regular daily light therapy is practicable.
Onset Of Light Therapy Effect:
Often already after a week (2-4 weeks treatment produces a stable antidepressant effect).
Side Effects:
Rare, can be avoided by reducing the light dosis.
Ophthalmological Risks:
None under normal conditions. Patients with ocular risk factors (e.g. photosensitizing medications) or preexisting retinal diseases should undergo ophthalmologic examination.
Light Or Antidepressant Drugs:
Light therapy is the first line treatment for SAD. For partial or non-response, combination of light with SSRIs is recommended.
Light Therapy May Be An Adjuvant Treatment For Other Psychiatric Illnesses With A Seasonal Time Course:
Bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder; there is some preliminary evidence for usefulness in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and also for non-seasonal major depression.