PubMed · 1991 · 45 citations · 0 references
PharmacyPharmacotherapyPsychiatryAdult PsychiatryPsychiatric PharmacotherapyPsychopharmacologyAntidepressant PharmacotherapyAntidepressant TherapyDepressionDepression ManagementDepression PharmacotherapyDepressive DisordersAcute Depression TreatmentAcute Treatment Of DepressionAntidepressant EfficacyAntidepressant ResponseBright Light ExposureMaintenance Antidepressant TherapyMaintenance Treatment Of DepressionMajor Depression
BACKGROUND: This study was designed to examine the potential benefit of the addition of bright lights to antidepressant treatment in depressed subjects. METHOD: Ten patients who presented during the winter months with major depression and who had failed an adequate trial of antidepressants or who had relapsed following a successful course of antidepressants underwent a 2-week course of bright light therapy. RESULTS: Augmentation with bright lights resulted in substantial improvement in 7 of the 10 patients. CONCLUSION: Bright light augmentation may provide a useful treatment alternative for patients with treatment-resistant depression.