Bright Light Therapy for Teen Depression: JAMA Trial Results
Does Bright Light Therapy Help Hospitalized Teens with Severe Depression?
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry examined whether the effects of adolescent psychiatric inpatient treatment as usual for major depressive disorder can be enhanced by simultaneous use of morning bright light therapy. This study of 224 adolescents found that 4-week inpatient treatment as usual augmented by bright light therapy was not superior to treatment as usual plus placebo red light. Both groups showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms, and there were no serious adverse events during the trial caused by light-related interventions.