A 33-year-old woman treated with bright light therapy:

DS* was a 33-year-old pregnant woman who came into the clinic during her 24th week of pregnancy. She had a history of depression and dysthymia since age 11. She has one child, and her depressive symptoms were worsened after she gave birth. She was put on antidepressant medication, which helped alleviate some of her symptoms. She discontinued the antidepressant prior to her second pregnancy. Again, her symptoms became more severe. When she was evaluated in the clinic, she was feeling down, was having trouble getting work done, was less interested in socializing, and had no sex drive. Although her overall appetite was somewhat less than usual, she craved carbohydrates. DS felt fatigued most of the day and experienced heaviness in her arms. She felt guilty and anxious, and reported thinking about death. She also complained about dry mouth, indigestion, stomach cramps, and heart palpitations. After five weeks of bright light therapy at home, DS felt "good" and "normal." All of her symptoms had abated.

*Please note that all histories are disguised to protect the privacy of the individual.

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