Phototherapy in nonseasonal depression

Previous reports have shown that bright light exposure may benefit patients with seasonal depression. In the present study, the possible therapeutic effect of bright light in nonseasonal major depressive disorder was examined. Forty-two depressed patients not receiving additional antidepressant medication were exposed to bright white light of 2500 lux or dim red light of 50 lux over one week for two hr daily in the morning. The change in depressive symptoms was assessed by rating scales (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, CGI) and by self-rating scales (Depression Scale, Complaint List, Visual Analogue Scale). Consistent for all ratings, the decrease in depressive symptoms after bright white light was only slight and not different from dim red-light exposure. Contrary to the findings in seasonal affective disorder, phototherapy administered over one week for two hr daily is not effective in nonseasonal major depressive disorder.