Light Therapy for Depression during Pregnancy 2/29/01 ?

Q.Who is eligible for participation? Participants will include pregnant women between the ages of 18-40 who are currently experiencing depression, whether it began before or during their pregnancy. Throughout the study they will continue to be seen by their own obstetrician. Women can not be involved in the study if they have a current medical illness (including eye diseases) or if they are using psychiatric medication, including antidepressants. Those currently taking an antidepressant will be allowed to gradually taper off and then discontinue use of an antidepressant in preparation for participation. Participants also must be able to maintain a regular sleep schedule falling asleep no later than 1 a.m. and waking no later than 10 a.m. All use of alcohol or recreational drugs is prohibited.

A.Light Therapy for Depression during Pregnancy Volunteers Sought for Clinical Trials Pregnancy is a time of many changes. In addition to the physical challenges women face (frequent urination, weight gain, loss of balance, water retention, back aches), they also must cope with shifting hormones and lifestyle changes. Those who are prone to depression may be especially vulnerable during this time. Although some antidepressants are relatively safe during pregnancy (I say relatively safe because only time will tell how safe these medications actually are), not all are responders to these drugs. In addition, many women do not feel comfortable with the unknown risks. The alternatives to drugs aren't especially appealing either. Women can "tough it out" and hope for the best or use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) if they become severely depressed. In response to this need for safe, non-drug depression treatments, researchers have begun to investigate a treatment commonly thought of as being only for Seasonal Affective Disorder, or Winter Depression: light therapy. Initial results have been very promising and have been presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms. This new treatment is presently undergoing clinical trials at three university clinical centers (Columbia, Yale, and Case Western Reserve). Volunteers are being sought to participate.

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