A recent Brazilian study found that Bright Light Therapy (BLT) could be an effective alternative to medication for treating non-seasonal depression. The study revealed that patients who underwent light therapy achieved a recovery rate of 40%, compared to only 23% for those treated with antidepressants alone, which can sometimes cause side effects like “emotional numbness.”
The study, conducted in collaboration between the Federal University of Mato Grosso and the University of Pernambuco, involved around 855 patients. Half of them were instructed to sit daily in front of a fluorescent light box with a brightness level of up to 10,000 lux for 30 minutes. This group showed higher recovery rates, thanks to the positive impact of light on mood enhancement.
The study’s findings indicated that bright light stimulates neurons in the retina, which helps regulate mood and alleviate depression symptoms. The research team also noted that adding bright light to treatment could accelerate patients’ response to therapy and improve its effectiveness.
While the study showed promising results, bright light therapy may open doors to alternative treatment options for depression, offering similar effectiveness to medications but without the associated side effects.
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