Light Therapy for Adolescent Depression: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Depressive disorders in adolescents are a major health concern associated with developmental, social, and educational impairment. Bright Light Therapy (BLT) is a feasible and effective treatment for depressive disorders in adults, but few controlled trials have been conducted with children or adolescents. This scoping review focuses on the current state of knowledge for BLT in the treatment of adolescent depression. We reviewed the literature for novel data and methodologic approaches using BLT and pediatric and young adult populations.

RECENT FINDINGS:

BLT is a tolerable treatment with few side effects. However, there is a marked lack of well-powered studies to support BLT as a treatment for depressive disorders in adolescent populations. Given evidence of tolerability and positive treatment effect on depression in the adult literature, research is needed to establish the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of BLT in adolescents.

• Authors: Rachel Ballard, John Parkhurst, Kelsey Julian, Lauren N Pasetes, Andrea Fawcett, Addie Li, Namni Goel, Dorothy K Sit
• Journal: Current psychiatry reports (Curr Psychiatry Rep) Vol. 25 Issue 9 Pg. 373-386 (09 2023) ISSN: 1535-1645 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 37490215 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Topics

• Young Adult
• Humans
• Adolescent
• Child
• Depression (therapy)
• Phototherapy (adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome