A Trial of Negative Ion Generation Versus Light-Emitting Diode Phototherapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial of Negative Ion Generation Versus Light-Emitting Diode Phototherapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial of inactivated negative ion generation or light-emitting photodiode therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, winter depression), for subjects with a DSM IV diagnosis of Major Depression, with Seasonal Pattern, Winter type, to examine efficacy of treatments for this condition. The trial has a 1 week baseline phase and a 4 week treatment phase.

This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing an inactivated negative ion generation (placebo condition) and light-emitting photodiode therapy (active condition), for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, winter depression), for subjects with a DSM IV diagnosis of Major Depression, with Seasonal Pattern, Winter type, to examine efficacy of treatments for this condition. Exclusion criteria included any other current treatment for SAD, as well as bipolar disorder, type 1, a chronic psychotic disorder, or a substance use not if full remission for at least one year. The trial has a 1 week baseline phase and subjects were seen weekly during a 4 week treatment phase. The study was double-blind. The study was conducted at 8 sites in the US, Canada and The Netherlands.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Age 18 to 65

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotropic medication treatment
• History of light treatment for SAD
• History of mania or psychosis