SAD Study - SAD Light Therapy Reasearch

Light Therapy & Pre-Menstrual Syndrome / Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMS / PMT)

Another possible application for light therapy is in the treatment of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome / Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMS / PMT).

The symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome / Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMS / PMT) are similar to those of SAD & S-SAD - depression, fatigue, irritability anxiety, over eating etc, and occur in women every month. Maskall et al (1997) suggest that patients with Late Luteal Phase Dysphoric Disorder (LLPDD) have substantial seasonal patterns in mood and Pre-Menstrual symptoms.

Lam et al (1999) found that bright light therapy significantly reduced depression and Pre-Menstrual Syndrome / Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMS / PMT) scores during the symptomatic luteal phase.

These results suggest that bright light therapy is an effective treatment for LLPDD. Further, studies have also shown that light therapy is effective in regulating women's menstruation cycles.