Over five million Americans are affected by bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by alternate severe depression and manic, or high-energy, episodes. Although many individuals are diagnosed in their twenties, some individuals may not manifest the disorder until they are in their forties or fifties.
The go-to prescription for treating bipolar disorder has often been lithium. However, while the drug can help to manage manic episodes, it is often ineffective at addressing the depression component of the condition. As a result, individuals with bipolar disorder may still experience low energy, decreased motivation, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Consequently, they are also prescribed antidepressants to tackle the problem. Unfortunately, these medications are associated with a high risk of weight gain, a condition that is already too common among people with bipolar disorder. Statistics have shown that 35 percent of bipolar sufferers are also living with obesity – the highest percentage for any psychiatric illness.
Nonetheless, a recent study conducted at Northwestern University highlights the potential of daily exposure to bright white light at midday to substantially reduce depression symptoms and enhance the overall functioning of individuals with bipolar disorder. This finding offers hope to those affected by the disorder.
In prior research, it has been demonstrated that morning bright light therapy can reduce symptoms of depression in patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, patients with bipolar disorder can also experience side effects such as mania from this type of depression treatment. Therefore, researchers implemented a midday light therapy intervention for this study.
Compared to dim placebo light, study participants who were assigned to bright white light between noon and 2:30 PM for six weeks demonstrated a significantly higher remission rate, displaying minimal depression symptoms and a return to normal functioning. In fact, over 68 percent of patients who received midday bright light achieved a normal level of mood, compared to 22.2 percent of patients who were given the placebo light.
In addition, the group receiving bright light therapy recorded a much lower average depression score of 9.2, as opposed to 14.9 for the placebo group. They also demonstrated significantly higher functioning, which enabled them to return to work or finish tasks around the house that they were previously unable to complete.
Here’s how you can use light to cope with bipolar depression:
- Choose the Right Time: Unlike other forms of light therapy, it is essential to get exposure to bright light at midday (between noon and 2:30 PM), instead of in the morning. This midday therapy has been shown to be more effective for patients with bipolar disorder.
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Select the Right Type of Light: You can use sunlight or a 7,000-lux bright white light, just like the study participants. These light sources have been proven to be effective in reducing depression symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder.
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Be Consistent: For best results, maintain daily exposure to bright light. This consistent exposure has been shown to have long-lasting positive effects on individuals with bipolar disorder.
The depression associated with bipolar disorder can be debilitating. However, by following the guidelines above and adopting daily midday bright light exposure, you can alleviate the harmful symptoms and improve your overall functioning and well-being.
