---
title: "Blue-Light Therapy for Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Depression: A…"
description: "Blue-light therapy's effectiveness for seasonal and non-seasonal depression remains unproven based on current evidence."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35522196.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35522196.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35522196.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d35522196"
journal: "Can J Psychiatry"
year: 2022
pmid: "35522196"
doi: "10.1177/07067437221097903"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Blue-Light Therapy for Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35522196.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d35522196

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Can J Psychiatry |
| Year | 2022 |
| PMID | [35522196](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35522196/) |
| DOI | [10.1177/07067437221097903](https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437221097903) |
| Study key | d35522196 |

## Takeaway

Blue-light therapy's effectiveness for seasonal and non-seasonal depression remains unproven based on current evidence.

## The question

Does blue-light therapy effectively and safely treat seasonal and non-seasonal major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to active and inactive control conditions?

## Hypothesis

The study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of blue-light therapy for seasonal and non-seasonal MDD.

## Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, PsycInfo, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome was the difference in endpoint scores on the SIGH-SAD or SIGH-ADS, while secondary outcomes included response (≥ 50% improvement) and remission rates.

## Results

Nine RCTs (347 participants) were included, with seven focusing on seasonal MDD and two on non-seasonal MDD. A meta-analysis found no evidence for blue-light efficacy compared to inactive conditions (mean difference = 2.43; 95% CI, -1.28 to 6.14) and no differences compared to active conditions (mean difference = -0.11; 95% CI, -2.38 to 2.16). There were also no significant differences in response and remission rates. Blue-light therapy was generally well-tolerated.

## Conclusion

The efficacy of blue-light therapy for treating seasonal and non-seasonal MDD is not yet proven.

## Limitations

Future trials need to be of longer duration, include larger sample sizes, and standardize light therapy parameters more effectively.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> to determine the efficacy and safety of light therapy in seasonal and non-seasonal depression

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bright Light Therapy Lamp | Strong evidence | [Bright Light Therapy Lamp](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/194.md) |

## Reference

1. **Blue-Light Therapy for Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis**
   Can J Psychiatry 2022 · [PMID 35522196](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35522196/) · [DOI 10.1177/07067437221097903](https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437221097903)

   > to determine the efficacy and safety of light therapy in seasonal and non-seasonal depression

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Bright Light Therapy Lamp](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/194.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: bright light entrains circadian rhythm](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s194.md)
- [Efficacy of light therapy versus antidepressant drugs in major depressive episodes: a…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d31600678.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).