Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Morning light therapy for postpartum depression
M Corral1, A A Wardrop, H Zhang
1Reproductive Mental Health Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. mcorral@providencehealth.bc.ca
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.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depression: Overview
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Electroconvulsive Therapy
