LIGHT TREATMENT IN SEASONAL AND NONSEASONAL DEPRESSION

Ninety patients with major depressive disorder were classified accordi ng to seasonal (n = 68, 50 women) or nonseasonal (n = 22, 17 women) pa ttern according to DSM-III-R. They were also clinically evaluated and rated before and after morning (0600-0800) or evening (1800-2000) ligh t treatment for 10 days in a room with a luminance of 350 cd/m(2) (app roximate to 1500 lx) at eye level. Mood ratings were performed using b oth the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Depressed patients with seasonal pattern imp roved significantly more than those with a nonseasonal pattern suggest ing a specific nonplacebo effect of light treatment in depressed patie nts with seasonal pattern. There were no significant differences in ou tcome when light treatment was given in the morning or in the evening, and not between patients with and without atypical symptoms such as c arbohydrate craving or increased appetite.