UV (Bright Light) Therapy

Seasonal light changes are known to alter melatonin activity. In PIT, information about the light received from the retina reaches the suprachiasmatic nucleus via the retinohypothalamic pathway, and from there to the pineal gland, and melatonin secretion is regulated. PIT has been shown to be effective in non-seasonal depression (Kripke et al. 1992, Yamada et al. 1995). It has been stated that the effect of bright light therapy is based on the initiation of melatonin circadian rhythm at night when light is given in the morning (Terman et al. 2001). There are 3 main studies conducted using PIT in pregnant women. Wirz-Justice et al. applied bright PIT or sham for 5 weeks in pregnant women diagnosed with non-seasonal depression in their randomized double-blind study. The rate of response to treatment was statistically significantly higher in the PIT group (81.3%) than in the sham group (45.5%). Likewise, remission rates were found to be statistically significantly higher in the PIT group. PIT has been defined as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment that is effective, simple, and safe for mother and baby. There are many clinical scientific studies showing that it is effective in sleep disorders and M. Depression.