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The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
- Source :
-
Psychotherapy and psychosomatics [Psychother Psychosom] 2020; Vol. 89 (1), pp. 17-24. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Oct 01. - Publication Year :
- 2020
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Abstract
- Background: Bright light therapy (BLT) has been used as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for over 30 years. This meta-analysis was aimed to assess the efficacy of BLT in the treatment of SAD in adults.<br />Method: We performed a systematic literature search including randomized, single- or double-blind clinical trials investigating BLT (≥1,000 lx, light box or light visor) against dim light (≤400 lx) or sham/low-density negative ion generators as placebo. Only first-period data were used from crossover trials. The primary outcome was the post-treatment depression score measured by validated scales, and the secondary outcome was the rate of response to treatment.<br />Results: A total of 19 studies finally met our predefined inclusion criteria. BLT was superior over placebo with a standardized mean difference of -0.37 (95% CI: -0.63 to -0.12) for depression ratings (18 studies, 610 patients) and a risk ratio of 1.42 (95% CI: 1.08-1.85) for response to active treatment (16 studies, 559 patients). We found no evidence for a publication bias, but moderate heterogeneity of the studies and a moderate-to-high risk of bias.<br />Conclusions: BLT can be regarded as an effective treatment for SAD, but the available evidence stems from methodologically heterogeneous studies with small-to-medium sample sizes, necessitating larger high-quality clinical trials.<br /> (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1423-0348
- Volume :
- 89
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Psychotherapy and psychosomatics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31574513
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000502891