A non-drug therapy that has proven effective in treating severe winter doldrums, known as seasonal affective disorder, could also be a ray of sunshine for clinically depressed pregnant women. University Hospitals of Cleveland is one of three sites in the country studying the benefits of light therapy for pregnant women who are suffering from depression, which includes symptoms of sleep and appetite changes, and severe sadness and anxiety.
Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe drugs during pregnancy.
The pharmaceutical labelling restrictions are overly conservative and frightening to women and their doctors. We'd like to determine whether this non-drug treatment can be effective during pregnancy. Certainly, a positive outcome would provide a non-drug treatment option for depression during pregnancy. Dr. Wisner, a psychiatrist in the mood disorders program at University Hospitals of Cleveland, will be joined by colleagues at Yale University and Columbia University in recruiting about 30 women for the study. The participants will receive free care from a highly experienced team of mental health professionals.