Hypericum in seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Curr Med Res Opin. 1999;15(1):33-7. doi: 10.1185/03007999909115171.

Abstract

Volunteers from the membership of the SAD Association took part in a postal survey, before and after eight weeks' treatment with Hypericum (Kira), using an 11-item rating scale. The maximum score is 44 and the mean score in 168 patients using Kira alone was 21.3. This fell to 13 at endpoint (p < 0.001). The corresponding figures for 133 patients using Kira + light therapy were 20.6 and 11.8, respectively (p < 0.001). In both groups, there was significant improvement in anxiety, loss of libido and insomnia. There were no significant between-group differences on any measure except that improvement in sleep was greater in the Kira + light group (p < 0.01). On the results of this survey, Hypericum would appear to be an effective treatment for SAD.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Anxiety / etiology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Ericales / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phototherapy / methods*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / complications
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder / therapy*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology

Substances

  • Plant Extracts