Treating winter depressive episodes in bipolar disorder: an open trial of light therapy

Abstract

Background Light therapy has been used to treat winter depression in bipolar disorder, although the dose, duration, and timing of treatment have differed. The present study is an open trial of light therapy for depressive episodes in autumn/winter using a Dutch protocol specific for patients with a bipolar disorder. Methods Data were collected for the seasons September–April 2017–2018 and September–April 2018–2019. In total, 58 patients received light therapy for a minimum of 7 days and a maximum of 21 days; there was a follow-up measurement after two weeks. Outcomes were quick inventory of depressive symptomatology (QIDS) scores and side effects. Results QIDS scores were significantly lower at the last day of therapy (B = − 6.00, p < 0.001) and 2 weeks after the end of treatment (B = − 6.55, p < 0.001) compared with pre-intervention. Remission (QIDS ≤ 5) was reached in 55% of the treatments and response (50% symptom reduction) in 57% of the treatments. Side effects were mild; two hypomanic periods occurred. Conclusions The Dutch light therapy protocol for patients with a bipolar disorder may be effective in treating a seasonal depression and side effects are mild. Light therapy deserves a prominent place in the treatment because effects may be large and quick.

Meteoropathy: a review on the current state of knowledge

“…For instance, meteoropathic patients often exhibit elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) produced by the pituitary gland, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, and irritability. Conversely, endorphins, known as "happy hormones," are reduced, decreasing the pain threshold [15][16][17][18][19].…”

Melanopsin-mediated pupillary responses in bipolar disorder—a cross-sectional pupillometric investigation

“…The main driver of this seasonal variation is presumably the change in daylight (Geoffroy et al 2014 ; Aguglia et al 2017 ). In line with this, chronotherapeutic modalities such as light and dark therapy can be used adjunctively in the treatment of depression and mania, respectively (Gottlieb et al 2019 ; van Houl et al 2020 ). A hypothesis of so-called retinal super-sensitivity to light has been suggested in BD (Lewy et al 1985 , 1981 ).…”