THE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT THERAPY ON MTBI INDUCED DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY BETWEEN MEN VERSUS WOMEN

Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common neurological disorders around the world, affecting more than 42 million people each year. MTBI leads to many social and cognitive deficits and can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a lower quality of life overall. In addition, there are currently no treatments without side effects, making mTBI important to study to determine mechanisms and find therapies for vulnerable populations. In this study, we look at using blue light therapy as a way to diminish symptoms of depression and anxiety in men and women with mTBI. Men and women are treated with either blue light (active experimental condition) or amber light (placebo condition) and undergo neuropsychological assessments to determine depression before treatment and after treatment. The data were analyzed using a t-test to determine changes. Results showed that blue light therapy did lead to better outcomes in terms of depression and anxiety overall with women seeing fewer depressive symptoms post therapy.