Study reveals benefits of bright light in treating anxiety

Results of a New Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind Bright Light Trial Presented at the 13^th International Forum on Mood and Anxiety Disorders

The bright light headset maker Valkee today announced the results of a new groundbreaking bright light study, showing statistically significant positive results in acutely alleviating anxiety symptoms. The world's first randomized, fully sham-controlled double blind trial of bright light treatment administered via ear canals brings sought-after new data to support the bright light studies carried out internationally since the 1980s.

Presented at the International Forum on Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Monte Carlo, the landmark results show a statistically significant acute reduction of anxiety symptoms in the bright light exposure group. In contrast, the symptoms in the control group receiving sham treatment did not show significant change. The double-blind trial was carried out under laboratory conditions using covered versions of Valkee bright light headsets, ensuring that neither participants nor research personnel were aware of which group a particular participant belonged to.

While the general perception of bright light treatment has been focused on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), researchers have long been interested in wider scale benefits. Typical SAD symptoms such as tiredness and reduced cognitive performance are very similar to both general anxiety and to other specific anxiety-related disorders. The similarity is reflected in the US Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which classifies SAD as a specific type of depression instead of an independent disorder.