Patients with bipolar disorder have recurrent major depression, residual mood symptoms, and limited treatment options.
Daily exposure to bright white light at midday significantly decreased symptoms of depression and increased functioning in people with bipolar disorder, a recent Northwestern University study found.
Remission occurred for more than 68 percent of patients who received midday bright light therapy. They achieved a normal level of mood, compared to 22.2 percent of patients who received a dim placebo light. Having a higher remission rate means a patient experiences minimal depression symptoms and returns to normal functioning.
