Sustained remission from perinatal depression after bright light therapy: A pilot randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Perinatal depression (PND) is a severe complication of pregnancy, affecting both mothers and newborns. Bright light therapy (BLT) has only been tested in a few studies for treating either antenatal or postnatal depression. We conducted a pilot trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of BLT for PND occurring at any time across the perinatal period.

Methods

A single-blind RCT was carried out in women with an EPDS >12 from the 2nd gestational trimester until 9 months postpartum. Participants received either 30-minutes morning BLT (10'000 lux) or dim red light (DRL, 19 lux) for 6 weeks.

Results

Twenty-two women were randomised to BLT (n = 11) or DRL (n = 11). Among those receiving BLT, 73% achieved remission (improvement ≥50%, EPDS score ≤ 12), in contrast

SUBMITTER: Garbazza C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9804451 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature