Depression: testing alternative treatments

Two complementary treatments for clinical depression –- bright light therapy and negative ion therapy -– are being tested in combination with traditional therapies in a new Canadian study.

"We are exploring whether these two alternative therapies, when combined with medication, will improve the success of treatment for people suffering from Major Depression Disorder," says Dr. Anthony Levitt, lead Investigator of the Sunnybrook study.

The three-year study, nicknamed "LIFE": Light, Ion, and Fluoxetine Efficacy in Depression, is being conducted at six sites across Canada, of which Sunnybrook is one. Each site is currently enrolling participants between 19 and 60 years of age and experiencing major depression.

Treatments for major depression traditionally involve psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and/or medication. Both light and ion therapies are complementary non-pharmacological approaches that are safe, easy to use, and are well tolerated.

Each of these treatments can be used alone or in combination with antidepressant medication. Both alternative therapies have been shown to be effective in treating seasonal depression, experienced during the fall and winter months.

The six participating sites are: University of British Columbia (Lead Site/Vancouver), Dalhousie University (Saint John), McGill University (Montreal), Sunnybrook and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto), and the University of Calgary (Calgary).

The study is funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant.