Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of bright light therapy on the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hibernation in patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Ten women with prospectively documented PMS underwent a crossover trial of bright light (>2,500 lux) either in the morning or in the evening during the premenstrual phase of two different menstrual cycles. The results of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) before and after treatment were divided into depression, anxiety, and hibernation categories. We found that evening light significantly reduced the symptoms of depression. Light treatment tended to reduce both anxiety and hibernation ratings, but this decrease was not statistically significant. Although further control studies using different placebo conditions are warranted, our initial results are promising with regard to the potential antidepressant effects of light.
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