Medical University of South Carolina
Bright light therapy has been shown to be effective for the treatment of both seasonal and non-seasonal unipolar depression as well as bipolar depression, primarily in outpatients under the age of 60. There is a dearth of studies exploring the efficacy of this treatment modality among elderly depressed inpatients, which is our study population.
Investigators are studying the ability of light therapy to reduce depressive symptoms in elderly patients who are hospitalized with unipolar depression (depression that is not due to bipolar disorder). Participants will receive either active light treatment or inactive treatment (also known as placebo).
Inclusion criteria: * A current episode of non-psychotic unipolar depression as the primary reason for psychiatric hospitalization * Currently hospitalized on the MUSC Senior Care Unit * Age 60 years or older * HAMD-17 ≥8 Exclusion criteria: * Any prior use of bright light therapy * Primary indication for hospitalization is for a disorder other than major depressive disorder (determined by patient's treatment team) * Photosensitive medical conditions or current use of photosensitizing medications - if patients have been advised by a treating clinician at any point to avoid sunlight because…
the Verilux® HappyLight® Lumi Plus light therapy box, which delivers UV-free, full-spectrum LED light at an intensity of 10,000 lux
The control group will use the same light box device, configured to emit dim red light. This will be achieved by setting the box to its lowest brightness setting and overlaying a translucent red filter over the light display. This setup is intended to maintain the appearance and experience of light exposure while minimizing any therapeutic effect.
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