EFFECT OF PHOTOTHERAPY ON H-3 IMIPRAMINE BINDING-SITES IN PATIENTS WITH SAD, NON-SAD AND IN HEALTHY CONTROLS

The effect of incandescent light treatment on the density of H-3-imipramine binding sites (B(max)) was investigated in 17 patients with seasonal affective disorder, in eight patients with non-seasonal depression and in six healthy volunteers. A significant increase in mean B(max) value parallel to a marked improvement of the depressive symptoms was found only in patients with SAD. No effect was observed either on mean B(max) value or on clinical symptoms in patients with non-SAD and on mean B(max) value in healthy volunteers.