An open-label pilot study of a home wearable light therapy device for postpartum depression

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2018 Oct;21(5):583-586. doi: 10.1007/s00737-018-0836-z. Epub 2018 Mar 30.

Abstract

We sought to establish the feasibility and preliminary effects of home-wearable light therapy for postpartum depression, and its effects on circadian measures. Eight women within 6 months postpartum were prescribed 60 min of daily morning light therapy for 5 weeks. The device was well tolerated. Significant improvements were observed in self-report and clinician-rated depression symptoms, with little change in objective circadian measures. Home-wearable light therapy is feasible for postpartum women and may be a promising treatment for postpartum depression. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02769858.

Keywords: Circadian; Depression; Light therapy; Postpartum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Circadian Rhythm*
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Depression, Postpartum / therapy*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melatonin / metabolism
  • Phototherapy / instrumentation*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pregnancy
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Sleep / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wearable Electronic Devices

Substances

  • Melatonin

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02769858