Pregnancy
An open trial of morning light therapy for treatment of antepartum depression
Am J Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;159(4):666-9
After 3 weeks of treatment (using a 10,000 lux bright light for 60 minutes a day), mean depression ratings improved by 49%. Benefits were seen through 5 weeks of treatment. There was no evidence of adverse effects of light therapy on pregnancy. These data provide evidence that morning light therapy has an antidepressant effect during pregnancy. A randomised, controlled trial is warranted to test this alternative to medication.
About 5% of pregnant women suffer from major depression. Whilst anti-depressants work well, for obvious reasons, it would be desirable to find an equally effective treatment that would not expose the developing baby to drugs.
Search the Lumie Information Centre
Light therapy for everyone
Latest forum threads
- How are SAD people doing during these summer months??
1 posts - latest post 4 Jun 2008 - Cant get up in the mornings....
5 posts - latest post 3 Jun 2008 - No fun!
9 posts - latest post 2 Jun 2008 - Getting on to Citalopram - one of the best things this winter!
70 posts - latest post 29 May 2008 - St John's Wort
20 posts - latest post 23 May 2008
Latest news stories
- The Renaissance of Light Therapy - 3 Jun 2008
- U-M studies impact of sleep, depression - 2 Jun 2008
- Toronto Company Creates Therapeutic Clothing - 30 May 2008
- Rockbarton residents allege 'increased cancer risk' from planned Pearse Stadium floodlights - 22 May 2008
- Greenhouse glow disturbs minks and humans - 11 Apr 2008
- Late-night light helps keep morning workouts cool - 21 Mar 2008
- Bird brain study sheds light on why they sing in spring - 19 Mar 2008
- Blue LEDs to reset tired truckers' body clocks - 18 Mar 2008
- Blocking the blue light blues: Glasses help wearers get better sleep - 5 Mar 2008
- Basking under bright sun can help cure winter blues - 1 Mar 2008
Latest success stories
|