Administration of bright light therapy with a 10,000 lux fluorescent light box for winter depression (seasonal affective disorder)*

*Refer to UpToDate topic on treating seasonal affective disorder for recommendations about the positioning of the light box, as well as the concomitant use of dawn simulation.
¶ Throughout the algorithm, response is defined as reduction of baseline symptoms ≥50%.
Δ Although components of this algorithm have been used in studies of bright light therapy, no studies have compared the efficacy of a fixed dose of 30 minutes per day with an increasing dose.
◊ Refer to UpToDate topic on treating seasonal affective disorder for evaluating patients for exclusive use of evening bright light therapy.