The Carlat Psychiatry Podcast
Bipolar Upgrade 5: Light therapy
Sep 4, 2023
Learn about the latest research on light therapy for bipolar disorder and its potential benefits. Discover strategies for screening, treating, and managing bipolar disorder. Find out how to select the right light therapy box and manage mixed symptoms. Also, hear about the potential risks of using light therapy after 2 pm and the effectiveness of trazodone for sleep disturbance in opioid-dependent patients.
10:55
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Quick takeaways
- Light therapy is an effective and safe treatment option for bipolar depression, with benefits comparable to unipolar depression.
- Trazodone is highly effective in reducing insomnia symptoms in patients with opioid use disorder, providing a non-addictive sleep aid option.
Deep dives
Light therapy as a treatment for bipolar depression
Light therapy has shown significant benefits in treating bipolar depression, with effect sizes comparable to those seen in unipolar depression. While concerns about triggering mania have held back the use of light therapy in bipolar disorder, recent studies have shown that the risk of manic reactions is low. Light therapy should be considered as a high-priority treatment option for bipolar depression, not only during winter months but also as an independent treatment. The proper use of light therapy involves obtaining the right box, sitting close to the light source, and managing any mixed symptoms that may arise.
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