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The effect of bright light therapy on depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Hamers Pauline C. M.,
Festen Dederieke A. M.,
Bindels Patrick J. E.,
Hermans Heidi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12770
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , morning , mood , medicine , depressive symptoms , psychological intervention , depressive mood , depression (economics) , clinical trial , light therapy , intervention (counseling) , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychology , anxiety , economics , macroeconomics
Background Although a large number of adults with intellectual disabilities have depressive symptoms, non‐pharmacological treatments are scarce. The present authors investigated whether bright light therapy (BLT) is effective in decreasing depressive symptoms compared to care as usual. Methods This multicentre randomized controlled trial consisted of three study groups (10,000 lux BLT, dim light BLT and a no‐BLT group). Participants received BLT for 30 min in the morning (14 consecutive days), additional to their regular care. Primary outcome was as follows: depressive symptoms measured with the ADAMS Depressive Mood subscale 1 week after the end of BLT (same time period in the no‐BLT group). Results Forty‐one participants were included in our trial. In both BLT groups, a significant decrease in depressive symptoms was seen. No significant differences were found between 10,000 lux BLT and no‐BLT ( p = .199) and no significant differences between dim light BLT and no‐BLT ( p = .451). A minimum amount of side effects and no adverse events were reported. Conclusions In both BLT interventions, a decrease in depressive symptoms was seen. With 10,000 lux BLT, depressive symptoms decreased even below the clinical cut‐off point, which makes BLT a promising intervention for clinical practice.