A comparison of open treatment of seasonal XXXX with light therapy.

@entity1 @entity308 @entity392 @entity7383
BACKGROUND: Although several investigators have described a milder form of @entity7383 ( @entity392 ), called @entity392 , little is known about the effect of light therapy in this group. The current study evaluates 3 weeks of open treatment with light therapy in @entity392 and @entity392 @entity1 . METHODS: Subjects with major or @entity308 according to DSM-IV with a seasonal pattern were recruited during the winter of 1998-1999 from clinic @entity1 and media advertising. Subjects were commenced on open treatment of morning light therapy, for 30 min daily using a new fluorescent light therapy unit that produced approximately 5,000 lux at a distance of 12 inches. The treatment lasted 3 weeks and at the end of the first and second week of treatment the duration of exposure could be increased to a maximum of 60 min at the discretion of the clinician. The @entity308 ( @entity392 ) was administered weekly to evaluate outcome. Response was defined in a variety of ways to reflect the fact that @entity392 subjects had milder symptoms. RESULTS: Forty-six @entity392 ( @entity392 , n = 29, @entity392 , n = 15) completed at least 2 weeks. Response rates were generally similar in @entity392 subjects (64-69%) and @entity392 (40-67%) @entity1 . There was a trend for longer exposure to be associated with better outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Light therapy may be an effective treatment for subjects with both @entity308 with a seasonal pattern. Optimal duration, for the light therapy unit used in this study, is likely 45-60 min daily.
