[Physical therapies for depression--light, exercise, TMS and sleep deprivation]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2007 Apr 16;169(16):1450-2.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

This paper reviews the status of some physical therapies for depression. Light is the treatment of choice for seasonal affective disorder. Light is also effective in non-seasonal depression as mono-therapy and as add-on to drug therapy. Exercise is effective in moderate depression, but onset of action, duration and compliance need to be examined. TMS treatment has a moderate, albeit transient effect on depression, but further development is needed before it can be used as a standard treatment. Sleep deprivation has the fastest known antidepressant effect, but the risk of relapse limits its use. New regimens including drugs and light may sustain the response.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Phototherapy*
  • Sleep / physiology
  • Sleep Deprivation*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*
  • Treatment Outcome