Study: Light therapy more effective than Prozac in patients with major depression

lam RW, Levitt AJ, Levitan RD, et al. Effectiveness of treatment with light light, fluoxetine and the combination in patients with non -seasonal major depression: a randomized clinical study. Jama Psychiatry . 2016; 73 (1): 56-63.

randomized, double-blind, placebo and appearance-controlled study

This study comprised 122 participants aged 19 to 60, in whom a non -seasonal major depression was diagnosed. The duration of the current episode of a major depression ranged from 45 to 90 weeks. The participants came from outpatient psychiatric clinics in academic centers. The data was collected from October 2009 to March 2014.

The participants received 30 minutes of full spectrum light therapy plus a placebo; 30 minutes of full spectrum light therapy plus fluoxetine (Prozac, 20 mg/day); Fluoxetine (20 mg/day) without light therapy; or placebo (inactive light therapy plus placebo pill).

The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (Madrs) was taken at the beginning and at the end of the 8-week study. Remission was also used as a secondary result.

At the end of the 8-week study, the mean changes in the Madrs scores compared to the initial value for those who received full spectrum light therapy were significantly larger than with fluoxetine. Of the patients who received light therapy, 43.8 % went into remission compared to 19.4 % of the patients who only took fluoxetine. There was a remission rate of 58.6 % in patients who received both light therapy and fluoxetine.

For years, fully spectrum light has been used as an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorders. 1.2 This recently carried out clinical study contributes to the growing number of evidence that indicate that full spectrum light can be effective even in non -seasonal forms of depression. These results are in line with previous studies. A meta -analysis of randomized, controlled studies from 2005 consistently resulted in a significant reduction in the severity of the symptoms of depression in both seasonal and non -seasonal disorders. It is clear that light therapy significantly reduced the symptoms of fear and depression in epilepsy patients. 4 The research also shows that light therapy is secure despite previous reports.

light boxes that are similar to those used in this clinical study are easily available at a price of $ 69 to 199. An alternative to light boxes is to go into the sun outdoors 30 minutes a day. In areas at home or in the office where patients spend most of the time, conventional light bulbs can also be replaced by full spectrum light bulbs.

light therapy should be considered as a first line or adjuvant treatment in patients with non-seasonal major depression. This is important because these cases of depression may be difficult to treat and medicines can have significant side effects.

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