A systematic review of the effects of using light treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients
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Background and objectives: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder triggered by a terror-striking event, causing flashbacks, intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms and anxiety. light treatment has been identified as a possible alternative or adjuvant treatment for PTSD. The present study aims to systematically review the available evidence evaluating the effects of light treatment intervention on PTSD symptoms. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO and ClinicalTrials.gov registry, up to February 2024. Controlled trials involving light treatment for PTSD were sought for the review of clinical effectiveness. Results: From 1805 published and unpublished studies, five studies (n=252) were included in this systematic review. Two studies used blue light treatment vs. placebo amber light treatment, one study used white bright light treatment compared to inactivated negative ion generator, a pilot trial delivered bright light treatment compared to a sham treatment and another pilot trial delivered green bright light treatment compared to dimmed light treatment as an intervention for PTSD. Present data indicate favorable effects of blue light and bright light interventions for improving PTSD symptoms. Conclusions: It is becoming increasingly evident that light treatments are effective in treating PTSD. Nevertheless, more RCTs with greater statistical power are required to provide a solid foundation for recommending light treatment for management of PTSD.
