Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Seasonal and non-seasonal depression are prevalent conditions in visual impairment (VI). We assessed the effects and side effects of light therapy in persons with severe VI/blindness who experienced recurrent depressive symptoms in winter corresponding to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or subsyndromal SAD (sSAD).
RESULTS: We included 18 persons (11 with severe VI, 3 with light perception and 4 with no light perception) who met screening criteria for sSAD/SAD in a single-arm, assessor-blinded trial of 6 weeks light therapy. In the 12 persons who completed the 6 weeks of treatment, the post-treatment depression score was reduced (p < 0.001), and subjective wellbeing (p = 0.01) and sleep quality were improved (p = 0.03). In 6/12 participants (50%), the post-treatment depression score was below the cut-off set for remission. In four participants with VI, side effects (glare or transiently altered visual function) led to dropout or exclusion.
CONCLUSION: Light therapy was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms in persons with severe VI/blindness. Eye safety remains a concern in persons with residual sight.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Acta Neuropsychiatrica |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 191-199 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISSN | 1601-5215 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2021 |
Keywords
- blindness
- depression
- phototherapy
- retinal ganglion cells
- seasonal affective disorder