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ABSTRACT: Objective
Perinatal depression (PND) is a severe complication of pregnancy, affecting both mothers and newborns. Bright light therapy (BLT) has only been tested in a few studies for treating either antenatal or postnatal depression. We conducted a pilot trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of BLT for PND occurring at any time across the perinatal period.Methods
A single-blind RCT was carried out in women with an EPDS >12 from the 2nd gestational trimester until 9 months postpartum. Participants received either 30-minutes morning BLT (10'000 lux) or dim red light (DRL, 19 lux) for 6 weeks.Results
Twenty-two women were randomised to BLT (n = 11) or DRL (n = 11). Among those receiving BLT, 73% achieved remission (improvement ≥50%, EPDS score ≤ 12), in contrast to 27% in the DRL group (p = 0.04). A significant influence of time on EPDS score and group-time interaction emerged, with a greater reduction in the BLT-group across the follow-up period. No women in either group reported major side effects.Conclusion
Morning BLT induced a significant remission from PND as compared to DRL and this effect was maintained across the perinatal period. BLT showed an excellent safety profile and was well-tolerated, thus representing a valid therapeutic strategy in this vulnerable perinatal population.
SUBMITTER: Garbazza C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9804451 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Garbazza Corrado C Cirignotta Fabio F D'Agostino Armando A Cicolin Alessandro A Hackethal Sandra S Wirz-Justice Anna A Cajochen Christian C Manconi Mauro M
Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica 20220803 4
<h4>Objective</h4>Perinatal depression (PND) is a severe complication of pregnancy, affecting both mothers and newborns. Bright light therapy (BLT) has only been tested in a few studies for treating either antenatal or postnatal depression. We conducted a pilot trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of BLT for PND occurring at any time across the perinatal period.<h4>Methods</h4>A single-blind RCT was carried out in women with an EPDS >12 from the 2nd gestational trimester until 9 months p ...[more]