Abstract

Seasonal humor disorders are prone to have a link with daylight exposure. However, the effect of external light on nonseasonal disorders remains unclear. Evidence is lacking for the validity of bright light therapy (BLT) as an adjunctive treatment for these patients. To assess BLT effectiveness as an adjunctive treatment for nonseasonal depressive disorders. In March 2024, a comprehensive search was performed of publications in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating BLT effects in patients with nonseasonal depression. RCTs published since 2000 were eligible. Comparisons between BLT and dim red light or antidepressant monotherapy alone were considered for inclusion. Using the systematic review approach on RCTs published from January 1, 2000, through March 25, 2024, differences between patients treated with and without BLT were estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel method; heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Remission of symptoms, response to treatment rates, and depression scales were assessed. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 unique trials with data from 858 patients (649 female [75.6%]), statistically significant better remission and response rates were found in the BLT group (remission: 40.7% vs 23.5%; odds ratio [OR], 2.42; 95% CI, 1.50-3.91; P <.001; I2 = 21%; response: 60.4% vs 38.6%; OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.46-3.75; P <.001; I2 = 41%). With BLT, subgroup analysis based on follow-up times also showed better remission (<4 weeks: 27.4% vs 9.2%; OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.45-8.88; P = .005; I2 = 0% and >4 weeks: 46.6% vs 29.1%; OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.19-4.00; P = .01; I2 = 47%) and response (<4 weeks: 55.6% vs 27.4%; OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.81-7.33; P <.001; I2 = 35% and >4 weeks: 63.0% vs 44.9%; OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.01-3.17; P = .04; I2 = 32%) rates. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that BLT was an effective adjunctive treatment for nonseasonal depressive disorders. Additionally, results suggest that BLT may improve the response time to the initial treatment.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.