Predictors of response and nonresponse to light treatment for winter depression
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to determine whether the pattern and severity of depressive symptoms predict response to light treatment for seasonal affective disorder. METHOD: Subjects with winter depression (N = 103) were given bright light treatment. Seventy-one were classified as responders, 15 as nonresponders, and 17 as partial responders. Using depression rating scale data and correlational and multivariate analysis, the authors sought predictors of response in baseline symptom and scale scores. RESULTS: Responders were characterized by atypical symptoms, especially hypersomnia, afternoon or evening slump, reverse diurnal variation (evenings worse), and carbohydrate craving. By contrast, nonresponders were characterized mainly by melancholic symptoms, retardation, suicidality, depersonalization, typical diurnal variation (mornings worse), anxiety, early and late insomnia, appetite loss, and guilt. The ratio of atypical to classical symptoms of depression, rather than severity per se, best predicted treatment outcome for the group as a whole. Pretreatment expectations were positively correlated with improvement on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale but not on a supplementary scale of atypical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Light-responsive seasonal affective disorder is distinguished by a dominant atypical symptom profile closely associated with depressed mood. Nonresponders from a clinically distinct group with melancholic features. The patient's symptom profile, therefore, should be considered when diagnosing seasonal affective disorder and selecting treatment.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).