This is a randomized placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy of six-week bright light therapy as adjunctive treatment for patient with bipolar depression and eveningness.
This randomized placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive BLT in addition to their maintenance treatment in reducing depressive symptoms. The second aim of the study is to explore the effects of BLT on sleep-wake changes and the sleep disturbances. Method: Each eligible participant will be randomized to either i) bright light therapy (BLT) or ii) inactive negative ion generator (placebo) treatment for 30-minutes daily at their habitual wake time for a total of six weeks. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, 2nd, 4th and 6th week for depression and insomnia symptoms. Actigraphy will be done at baseline and in the last week of treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
70
Exposure to 10,000lux bright light for 30minutes a day for six weeks
Exposure to an inactive negative ion generator for 30 minutes a day for six weeks
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
RECRUITINGChange of depressive symptoms score
Change in the score of the Structural Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale with atypical depression supplement (SIGH-ADS), SIGH-ADS scores range from 0-79; higher score indicates greater depression severity.
Time frame: at the end of treatment
Change of insomnia symptoms
The change in the score of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), which ranges from 0-28, higher score indicates higher severity of insomnia
Time frame: at the end of treatment
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