Mood / depression
Transcranial photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder review
Cassano P, Petrie SR, Hamblin MR, et al. Neurophotonics. 2016.
A review described preliminary evidence and biological rationale for tPBM in depression, while emphasizing the need for large RCTs.
Evidence grade
very-low
Effect direction
unclear
Panel relevance
not-panel-replicable
Key findings
- The authors found preliminary clinical evidence suggesting possible efficacy in major depressive disorder and related symptoms.
- The review proposed metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurogenesis as possible targets.
- Large randomized controlled trials were still needed.
Protocol details
| Wavelengths | Not reported nm |
|---|---|
| Irradiance | Not reported mW/cm2 |
| Fluence | Not reported J/cm2 |
| Session time | Not reported minutes |
| Frequency | Experimental; not settled |
| Duration | Experimental; not settled |
| Treatment area | Transcranial targets |
| Device type | Transcranial red/NIR photobiomodulation |
Caveats
- Do not position consumer red light panels as depression treatment.
- Mental health conditions require clinician-guided care.