ABSTRACT
Objective:
In this study, we tested the efficacy of bright light therapy as an adjunct to
antidepressant treatment (sertraline) in patients with non-seasonal major
depression.
Method:
In a randomized double-blind controlled trial, 102 patients were treated
for 5 weeks with either white bright light (10.000 lx, 1 h/day) or red dim
light (50 lx, 30 min/day). All patients received sertraline in a dosage of 50
mg daily. The self-assessment scales used were the Major Depression Inventory
(MDI), the Psychological General Well-Being Scale (PGWB) and the Symptom Check
List (SCL-90R).
Results:
On all three questionnaires the score differences between baseline and
endpoint were greatest in the bright light group. On the SCL-90R, the
difference reached statistical significance. Results and effect sizes are
compared with results from Danish national population studies applying PGWB and
SCL-90R.
Conclusion:
The results advocate the use of bright light as an adjunct treatment of
non-seasonal depression.