Commercially Available Phototherapy Devices for Treatment of Depression: Physical Characteristics of Emitted Light.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate key physical properties of commercially available light devices for the treatment of seasonal or nonseasonal depression and to determine whether the devices met clinical criteria, derived from evidence-based clinical guidelines, for generating adequate light at a reasonable distance, over a reasonable field of illumination, and with an adequate degree of user acceptability.

Methods

Twelve manufacturers loaned or donated 24 light therapy devices: 16 light boxes, one light column, four light-emitting diode beam devices, and three light visors. Each device was evaluated for spectral power distribution, light dispersion, subjective discomfort from glare, adequacy of diffusion, photopic illuminance (in lumens per square meter [l

SUBMITTER: Oldham MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9175704 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature