Prediction of outcome of bright light treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder: Discarding the early response, confirming a higher atypical balance, and uncovering a higher body mass index at baseline as predictors of endpoint outcome.

Background: We tested the hypothesis that the early improvement in mood after the first hour of bright light treatment compared to control dim-red light would predict the outcome at six weeks of bright light treatment for depressed mood in patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We also analyzed the value of Body Mass Index (BMI) and atypical symptoms of depression at baseline in predicting treatment outcome.

Methods: Seventy-eight adult participants were enrolled.

Light treatment for seasonal Winter depression in African-American vs Caucasian outpatients.

Aim: To compare adherence, response, and remission with light treatment in African-American and Caucasian patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Methods: Seventy-eight study participants, age range 18-64 (51 African-Americans and 27 Caucasians) recruited from the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan area, with diagnoses of recurrent mood disorder with seasonal pattern, and confirmed by a Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, were enrolled in an open label study of daily bright light treatment. The trial lasted 6 wk with flexible dosing of light starting with 10000 lux bright light for 60 min daily in the morning.

Test-retest reliability of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire in Old Order Amish.

Background: Research on test-retest reliability of the Season Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) is sparse, and to date, has not been done with subgroups such as the Old Order Amish.

Methods: We examined the test-retest reliability of the SPAQ in a sample of Old Order Amish. A total of 68 Old Order Amish participants completed the SPAQ twice, with 4 months between administrations.

Elevated gliadin antibody levels in individuals with schizophrenia.

Objectives: We aimed to replicate, in a larger sample and in a different geographical location, the previously reported elevation of anti-gliadin IgG antibodies in schizophrenia.

Methods: A total of 950 adults with schizophrenia (severity assessed by PANSS) and 1000 healthy controls were recruited in the Munich metropolitan area. Anti-gliadin IgG antibodies were analyzed with ELISA.

Reading increases ocular illuminance during light treatment.

Background: Bright-light treatment is a safe and effective treatment for the management of winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In a recent study, we found that the relative duration of reading was positively associated with likelihood of remission after six weeks of light treatment.

Methods: Two technicians measured the illuminance of a light box with a light meter directed towards the center of reading material that was placed on a table in front of the light box.

Seasonality of mood and behavior in the Old Order Amish.

Background/objective: We examined seasonality and winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a unique population that prohibits use of network electric light in their homes.

Methods: We estimated SAD using the seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire (SPAQ) in 1306 Amish adults and compared the frequencies of SAD and total SAD (i.e.

Pollen-specific immunoglobulin E positivity is associated with worsening of depression scores in bipolar disorder patients during high pollen season.

Objective: An association between allergic disease and depression has been consistently reported, but whether the key mediating ingredients are predominantly biological, psychological, or mere artifacts remains unknown. In the current study, we examined a hypothesized relationship between allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) status and changes in allergy symptoms with worsening in depression scores.

Methods: In patients with recurrent mood disorders, we individually coupled sensitization to specific seasonal aeroallergens (as assessed by allergen-specific IgE) with temporal windows of exposure to aeroallergens (low versus high tree or ragweed pollen counts, measured according to the National Allergy Bureau guidelines).

Improvement in depression scores after 1 hour of light therapy treatment in patients with seasonal affective disorder.

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible rapid effects of light therapy on depressed mood in patients with seasonal affective disorder. Participants received 1 hour of bright light therapy and 1 hour of placebo dim red light in a randomized order crossover design. Depressed mood was measured at baseline and after each hour of light treatment using two self-report depression scales (Profile of Mood States-Depression-Dejection [POMS-D] subscale and the Beck Depression Inventory II [BDI-II]).