Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, have performed a study supporting the efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of nonseasonal major depression. The study investigated the effects of light therapy on sleep, depressed mood, perception of fatigue and energy, and core temperature in a group of women who had been diagnosed with nonseasonal, unipolar depression.
It has been believed in the past that light therapy would work as a treatment option for those suffering with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a depressive disorder in which the person affected becomes depressed in relation to the seasons. Generally, a person with SAD becomes depressed in the winter months but is fine the rest of the year. This could be because of the shorter periods of sunlight in the wintertime.
Light therapy can provide those with SAD with the extra light they need to stave-off depression during the winter.
This recent study, though, provides evidence that light may be a factor in nonseasonal depression as well. The women were assigned randomly to receive either light therapy or a placebo for a period of 28 days. Results showed a significant improvement in depression in the group receiving light therapy when compared with the placebo group.
The results of this study have implications as to the possible relationship between depressed mood, sleep, body temperature, energy levels and light. Further research is needed to determine a direct correlation, but preliminary findings are positive in so far as pointing to a possible treatment for nonseasonal depression.
© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.
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Effects of light therapy on sleep, mood, and temperature in women
with nonseasonal major depression
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