Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Last updated: June 24, 2014
Sponsor: Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

1

Condition

Depression

Depression (Major/severe)

Affective Disorders

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT00076245
R03MH065946
DSIR AT-AS
R03MH065946
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study will assess the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), commonly called the "winter blues."

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

  • Willing and able to participate in the study procedures

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Major psychological diagnoses other than SAD

  • Current psychological or psychiatric treatment

Study Design

Total Participants: 61
Study Start date:
November 01, 2002
Estimated Completion Date:
November 30, 2005

Study Description

SAD is a condition in which people experience depression as a result of seasonal variations in sunlight. Although light therapy is a common treatment for SAD, a large proportion of people with SAD are resistant to this treatment. CBT is effective for nonseasonal depressive disorders, but its use for SAD has not been thoroughly explored. This study will determine whether CBT, alone and combined with light therapy, is as effective as light therapy alone in reducing SAD symptoms.

Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to light therapy, CBT, a combination of light therapy and CBT, or a control group (no therapy) for 6 weeks. CBT will be conducted twice a week; light therapy will be conducted twice a day. Assessments will be made before, during, and after the study treatment. Depression scales, questionnaires, and behavioral tasks will be used to assess the depressive symptoms of participants. A 6-month and 1-year follow-up visit will also be conducted. During the follow-up visits, participants will be interviewed and will complete a questionnaire and a survey.

Connect with a study center

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)

    Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799
    United States

    Site Not Available

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