2- versus 4-hour evening phototherapy of seasonal affective disorder

J Nerv Ment Dis. 1990 Apr;178(4):257-60. doi: 10.1097/00005053-199004000-00007.

Abstract

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been successfully treated with bright light, and morning exposure has been deemed more effective than exposure at other times. Evening treatment may offer a practical advantage, but the optimal duration of exposure has not been established. Six SAD patients were treated at home for 1 week with 2500 lux of light given either from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. using a counterbalanced crossover design with a minimal withdrawal period of 1 week between conditions. Both treatments were effective in reversing SAD symptoms, but neither treatment was superior. These results suggest that evening phototherapy for as little as 2 hours may be a useful and reasonable alternative for the treatment of SAD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Depression / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mood Disorders / therapy*
  • Phototherapy* / methods
  • Recurrence
  • Seasons
  • Time Factors