Imaginary versus real light for winter depression

Richter, Pablo; Bouhuys, Antoinette L.; Hoofdakker, R.H. van den; Beersma, Domien; Jansen, Jaap H.C.; Lambers, Peter A.; Meesters, Ybe; Jenner, Jack A.; Houwelingen, Cornelis A.J. van; Bos, Petra A.J.

doi:10.1016/0006-3223(92)90270-a

Cited by 20 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…In light research, various placebo-like conditions have been used, such as imaginary light,37 invisible light,38 extraocular light,28 low-intensity light,39 or another placebo condition totally unrelated to light, such as a deactivated ion generator 40. Responses to these “placebo” conditions have been found to vary from 36% to 46%.…”

Section: Working Mechanism and Etiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal affective disorder, winter type: current insights and treatment options

Meesters¹,

Gordijn²

2016

PRBM

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), winter type, is a seasonal pattern of recurrent major depressive episodes most commonly occurring in autumn or winter and remitting in spring/summer. The syndrome has been well-known for more than three decades, with light treatment being the treatment of first choice. In this paper, an overview is presented of the present insights in SAD. Description of the syndrome, etiology, and treatment options are mentioned. Apart from light treatment, medication and psychotherapy are other treatment options. The predictable, repetitive nature of the syndrome makes it possible to discuss preventive treatment options. Furthermore, critical views on the concept of SAD as a distinct diagnosis are discussed.

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Section: Working Mechanism and Etiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal affective disorder, winter type: current insights and treatment options

Meesters¹,

Gordijn²

2016

PRBM

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“…Yet, the groups in that study only differed with respect to the numbers of patients who reached a remittance criterion, but not with respect to the final treatment outcome after 4 weeks. Richter et al (1992) found that the effects of real morning light were not different from those of imaginary morning light immediately after the treatment. However, 10 days after treatment, real light turned out to be superior.…”

Section: Other Mechanismsmentioning

confidence: 81%

Prophylactic treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by using light visors: bright white or infrared light?

Meesters¹,

Beersma

Bouhuys

et al. 1999

Biological Psychiatry

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“…So far, no methodologically justified placebo condition is available for light treatment. In light research, various placebo-like conditions have been used, such as imaginary light [ 50 ]; invisible light [ 37 ], extra-ocular light [ 51 ], low-intensity light [ 29 ], or a placebo condition totally unrelated to light, such as a deactivated ion generator [ 32 ]. Responses to these ‘placebo’ conditions have varied from 36 to 46 %.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of low-intensity narrow-band blue-light treatment compared to bright white-light treatment in sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder

et al. 2016

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BackgroundThe discovery of a novel photoreceptor in the retinal ganglion cells with a highest sensitivity of 470-490 nm blue light has led to research on the effects of short-wavelength light in humans. Several studies have explored the efficacy of monochromatic blue or blue-enriched light in the treatment of SAD. In this study, a comparison has been made between the effects of broad-wavelength light without ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths compared to narrow-band blue light in the treatment of sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder (Sub-SAD).MethodIn a 15-day design, 48 participants suffering from Sub-SAD completed 20-minute sessions of light treatment on five consecutive days.22 participants were given bright white-light treatment (BLT, broad-wavelength light without UV 10 000 lux, irradiance 31.7 Watt/m2) and 26 participants received narrow-band blue light (BLUE, 100 lux, irradiance 1.0 Watt/m2). All participants completed daily and weekly questionnaires concerning mood, activation, sleep quality, sleepiness and energy. Also, mood and energy levels were assessed by means of the SIGH-SAD, the primary outcome measure.ResultsOn day 15, SIGH-SAD ratings were significantly lower than on day 1 (BLT 54.8 %, effect size 1.7 and BLUE 50.7 %, effect size 1.9). No statistically significant differences were found on the main outcome measures.ConclusionLight treatment is an effective treatment for Sub-SAD. The use of narrow-band blue-light treatment is equally effective as bright white-light treatment.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (Nederlands Trial Register TC = 4342) (20-12-2013).

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Imaginary versus real light for winter depression

Cited by 20 publications

References 11 publications

Seasonal affective disorder, winter type: current insights and treatment options

Seasonal affective disorder, winter type: current insights and treatment options

Prophylactic treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by using light visors: bright white or infrared light?

The effects of low-intensity narrow-band blue-light treatment compared to bright white-light treatment in sub-syndromal seasonal affective disorder

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