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Is This “Bright” Therapy the Key to Beating Depression?

When it comes to treating depression, many are familiar with medications and therapy.

But what if a simple addition could make treatment more effective?

Well, that’s exactly what this new type of therapy may offer—it’s even associated with a 41% remission rate in patients with nonseasonal depression—significantly higher than other treatment methods.

Bright light therapy (BLT) has previously used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but this new study shows it could also be a game-changer for nonseasonal depression.

BLT involves exposure to bright, artificial light for a set period each day. In this study, patients used a fluorescent light box that produced white light at 10,000 lux for at least 30 minutes daily.

This type of light mimics natural sunlight and can have positive effects on brain chemicals linked to mood.

What’s especially exciting about this research is that BLT was found to work even for people with nonseasonal depressive disorders—meaning those who don’t experience depression only in the darker winter months but all year long.

The results of this meta-analysis, which reviewed 11 clinical trials involving 858 patients, are promising. Here’s what the researchers found:

  • Patients treated with BLT had a remission rate of 41%, compared to just 23.5% for those in the control group.
  • The response rate—which refers to patients showing significant improvement—was also higher with BLT, at 60%, compared to 39% in the control group.
  • BLT helped patients achieve remission and show improvement more quickly than those treated with antidepressants alone, with significant benefits even in short-term follow-ups.
  • The study found that adding BLT to treatment led to a greater reduction in depression symptoms, measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D).

These findings suggest that BLT could be an effective adjunctive treatment—meaning it works well alongside other treatments.

Although the exact mechanisms of how BLT works aren’t fully understood, it’s thought to influence the brain’s circadian rhythms and impact neurotransmitters like serotonin—which plays a key role in mood regulation.

Exposure to bright light can help reset the body’s natural clock, which may be disrupted in people with depression, contributing to improvements in mood and mental clarity.

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, bright light therapy could offer a natural, non-invasive addition to your treatment plan. It’s important to note that, while the study results are encouraging, BLT works best when used alongside other treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about trying bright light therapy:

  • Consult a Doctor: BLT is safe for most people, but it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right option for you.
  • Be Consistent: BLT is most effective when done daily for at least 30 minutes in the morning.
  • Look for the Right Equipment: If you’re purchasing a light box, make sure it’s designed to produce 10,000 lux of white light to ensure it’s effective.
  • Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of how you’re feeling, and share any changes with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Whether you’re dealing with seasonal or nonseasonal depression, bright light therapy could offer a natural and effective way to improve your mental health.

To brighter days ahead,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Soothing “light” stops pounding headaches? Get the details here.

Sources:

Edited by Anushree Chaphalkar. (2024, October 15). Bright Light Therapy Effective for Nonseasonal Depression. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/bright-light-therapy-effective-nonseasonal-depression-2024a1000itx

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