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Use of “Lights” for Bipolar Depression

  • Bipolar Disorders (R Hirschfeld, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

In this review, we will review the background and diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD); describe the efficacy data and potential circadian and neural mechanisms underlying the effects of bright light for bipolar depression; and discuss the implementation of light therapy in clinical practice.

Recent Findings

To date, morning bright light is the most widely tested form of light therapy for all mood disorders. Clinical trial reports suggest that midday or morning bright light treatment and novel chronotherapeutic interventions are effective for bipolar depression. Mechanisms of response may relate to effects on the circadian system and other changes in neural functioning.

Summary

Using bright light to manage depressive symptoms in BD is reasonable but also requires concurrent antimanic treatment and careful clinical monitoring for response, safety, and mood polarity switch.

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  1. Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Northwestern University, 676 N St. Clair Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Dorothy Sit

  2. Department of Psychology and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 Virginia Street, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Sarah Haigh

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Sit, D., Haigh, S. Use of “Lights” for Bipolar Depression. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 45 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1025-0

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