Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bright white light has been successfully used for the treatment of depression. There is interest in identifying which spectral colors of light are the most efficient in the treatment of depression. It is theorized that green light co...

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Main Authors: Knickerbocker Nancy C, Kripke Daniel F, Loving Richard T, Grandner Michael A
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2005-11-01
Series:BMC Psychiatry
Online Access:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/42
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author Knickerbocker Nancy C
Kripke Daniel F
Loving Richard T
Grandner Michael A
author_facet Knickerbocker Nancy C
Kripke Daniel F
Loving Richard T
Grandner Michael A
author_sort Knickerbocker Nancy C
collection DOAJ
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bright white light has been successfully used for the treatment of depression. There is interest in identifying which spectral colors of light are the most efficient in the treatment of depression. It is theorized that green light could decrease the intensity duration of exposure needed. Late Wake Treatment (LWT), sleep deprivation for the last half of one night, is associated with rapid mood improvement which has been sustained by light treatment. Because spectral responsiveness may differ by age, we examined whether green light would provide efficient antidepressant treatment in an elder age group.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We contrasted one hour of bright green light (1,200 Lux) and one hour of dim red light placebo (<10 Lux) in a randomized treatment trial with depressed elders. Participants were observed in their homes with mood scales, wrist actigraphy and light monitoring. On the day prior to beginning treatment, the participants self-administered LWT.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The protocol was completed by 33 subjects who were 59 to 80 years old. Mood improved on average 23% for all subjects, but there were no significant statistical differences between treatment and placebo groups. There were negligible adverse reactions to the bright green light, which was well tolerated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Bright green light was not shown to have an antidepressant effect in the age group of this study, but a larger trial with brighter green light might be of value.</p>
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spelling doaj.art-e129c388bfef4f9bbac83b619beef1e12022-12-21T19:58:55ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2005-11-01514210.1186/1471-244X-5-42Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]Knickerbocker Nancy CKripke Daniel FLoving Richard TGrandner Michael A<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bright white light has been successfully used for the treatment of depression. There is interest in identifying which spectral colors of light are the most efficient in the treatment of depression. It is theorized that green light could decrease the intensity duration of exposure needed. Late Wake Treatment (LWT), sleep deprivation for the last half of one night, is associated with rapid mood improvement which has been sustained by light treatment. Because spectral responsiveness may differ by age, we examined whether green light would provide efficient antidepressant treatment in an elder age group.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We contrasted one hour of bright green light (1,200 Lux) and one hour of dim red light placebo (<10 Lux) in a randomized treatment trial with depressed elders. Participants were observed in their homes with mood scales, wrist actigraphy and light monitoring. On the day prior to beginning treatment, the participants self-administered LWT.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The protocol was completed by 33 subjects who were 59 to 80 years old. Mood improved on average 23% for all subjects, but there were no significant statistical differences between treatment and placebo groups. There were negligible adverse reactions to the bright green light, which was well tolerated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Bright green light was not shown to have an antidepressant effect in the age group of this study, but a larger trial with brighter green light might be of value.</p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/42
spellingShingle Knickerbocker Nancy C
Kripke Daniel F
Loving Richard T
Grandner Michael A
Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]
BMC Psychiatry
title Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]
title_full Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]
title_fullStr Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]
title_full_unstemmed Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]
title_short Bright green light treatment of depression for older adults [ISRCTN69400161]
title_sort bright green light treatment of depression for older adults isrctn69400161
url http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/42
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