Bright vs Dim Light Therapy for Bipolar Disorder Depression
(BPII-DEP-LT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of light therapy for the treatment of bipolar type II patients relapsing into a depressive phase during autumn or winter.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking photosensitizing drugs like lithium or phenothiazines, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is bright or dim light therapy safe for humans, especially for those with bipolar disorder?
Bright light therapy has been used for 30 years and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for conditions like seasonal affective disorder. Studies on its use for bipolar disorder also suggest it is safe, though monitoring for hypomanic symptoms (mild mania) is important to ensure tolerance.12345
How does bright light therapy differ from other treatments for bipolar disorder depression?
Bright light therapy is unique because it uses exposure to bright light as a non-drug treatment to improve mood in bipolar depression, similar to its use in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is simple to administer, has a favorable side-effect profile compared to medications, and can be used alongside other treatments to enhance their effects.12678
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for bipolar disorder depression?
Research shows that bright light therapy (BLT) can significantly improve symptoms in people with bipolar depression, similar to its effectiveness in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Studies have found that patients with bipolar disorder who received BLT experienced significant improvements in mood, and these benefits were maintained for several months.12349
Who Is on the Research Team?
Serge Beaulieu, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
McGill University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Bipolar Type II disorder experiencing a depressive phase, as defined by specific clinical scales. They must have symptoms that started in autumn or winter and be willing to consent to the study. Excluded are those with other psychiatric conditions, unstable medical issues, certain vitamin deficiencies, risk of light-induced mania or migraines, pregnancy without contraception, severe eye diseases, substance abuse problems, or past light therapy use.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive daily morning light therapy for 30 minutes over 5 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants may continue light therapy beyond 5 weeks to assess long-term benefits
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Northern Light Technology (SADelite lamp) bright light-therapy
- Northern Light Technology (SADelite lamp) Dim light-therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Lead Sponsor
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
Collaborator