[Phototherapy as a supporting treatment in depressive patients]

Effects of treatment of depression with combined antidepressants and phototherapy and antidepressants alone were compared. Phototherapy was applied 5 days a week, up to 1.5 hour a day, 4500 Lux approximately. Mental status was evaluated by the use of HAMD and BDI in the beginning and after two weeks of treatment. Final results were similar in both groups but in the group treated with combined therapy significant improvement just after the first week of treatment was seen. It can be suggested that phototherapy when applied together with antidepressants may accelerate remission. Particularly good response was seen in patients with bipolar affective disorder. Influence of two kinds of treatment on particular symptoms of depression was different. In patients who were given only antidepressants improvement of sleep and appetite was observed first. Patients treated also with phototherapy reported increase of energy and mood improvement.