Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: We studied 70 inpatients affected by Unipolar Depression, treated for three weeks with combined LT and venlafaxine. Two-third of the patients received LT following a predictive algorithm based on MEQ scores; the others received LT at 11:00 a.m. Severity of depression was rated on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). A subgroup of patients wore activity monitors. RESULTS: HDRS scores significantly decreased during treatment (Friedman's ANOVA: χ2=186.82, p<0.00001). LT administered in the early morning showed a better relative efficacy than late morning (F=4.576; p=0.012) with the clinical improvement correlating with an advance in rest-activity rhythm acrophase (r=-0.336; p=0.017). Season of hospitalization interacted with LT timing and time in influencing response to treatment (F=3.101; p=0.049) and season of episode recurrence significantly interacted with LT timing, season of hospitalization and time (F=5.925; p=0.0035). LIMITATIONS: The major limitation of the study is the small sample size when considering simultaneously LT schedules, season of treatment and recurrence. Moreover, even if none of the patients fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for seasonal pattern of recurrence, they were not administered any questionnaire about seasonality. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the usefulness of LT as a non-pharmacological antidepressant therapy for non-seasonal depression. Season and timing of administration and timing of the rest-activity cycle affected response to treatment.
|
Authors | Sara Dallaspezia, Francesco Benedetti, Cristina Colombo, Barbara Barbini, Mara Cigala Fulgosi, Chiara Gavinelli, Enrico Smeraldi |
Journal | Journal of affective disorders
(J Affect Disord)
Vol. 138
Issue 3
Pg. 337-42
(May 2012)
ISSN: 1573-2517 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 22325712
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Copyright | Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
- Cyclohexanols
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
(therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Cyclohexanols
(therapeutic use)
- Depressive Disorder, Major
(drug therapy, therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Phototherapy
- Seasons
- Time Factors
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
|