[Phototherapy].

Abstract

Recommendations for a light therapy--PREVALENCE OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD): Ca. 2% of the adult population in Europe; female to male ratio 4:1.

DIAGNOSIS:

Recurrent major depressive episodes in winter with full remission in summer.

DURATION OF LIGHT THERAPY:

For 10,000 lux light boxes 30 minutes/day, for 2500 lux light boxes 1-2 hours/day.

TIME OF DAY:

If possible in the morning after awakening, otherwise at a time of day when a regular daily light therapy is practicable.

ONSET OF LIGHT THERAPY EFFECT:

Often already after a week (2-4 weeks treatment produces a stable antidepressant effect).

SIDE EFFECTS:

Rare, can be avoided by reducing the light dosis.

OPHTHALMOLOGICAL RISKS:

None under normal conditions. Patients with ocular risk factors (e.g. photosensitizing medications) or preexisting retinal diseases should undergo ophthalmologic examination.

LIGHT OR ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS:

Light therapy is the first line treatment for SAD. For partial or non-response, combination of light with SSRIs is recommended.

LIGHT THERAPY MAY BE AN ADJUVANT TREATMENT FOR OTHER PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES WITH A SEASONAL TIME COURSE:

Bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder; there is some preliminary evidence for usefulness in premenstrual dysphoric disorder and also for non-seasonal major depression.

• Authors: A Wirz-Justice, P Graw
• Journal: Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique (Ther Umsch) Vol. 57 Issue 2 Pg. 71-5 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0040-5930 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Lichttherapie.
• PMID: 10730100 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adult
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Phototherapy (methods)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (psychology, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome