Transcranial and systemic photobiomodulation for major depressive disorder: A systematic review of efficacy, tolerability and biological mechanisms.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Systematic review of preclinical and largely uncontrolled clinical studies
PubMed 30248638 · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.09.048
What was done
Systematic review searching MEDLINE and EMBASE through July 2017 without language or date restrictions for original preclinical and clinical studies investigating red and near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) for major depressive disorder (MDD). Biological mechanism literature was also reviewed. Seventeen original studies on MDD were included.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative values, pooled effect sizes, or confidence intervals. It qualitatively reports that red and near-infrared light modulate cortex via transcranial and indirect systemic mechanisms, primarily through cytochrome C oxidase absorption and mitochondrial metabolism enhancement. Animal models showed antidepressant-like benefits comparable to antidepressant medications, and clinical studies reported significant antidepressant efficacy with good tolerability.
Why it matters
This review maps the biological mechanisms and early preclinical and clinical evidence for photobiomodulation as a low-risk, inexpensive non-invasive intervention for major depression.
Limits
The abstract reports no numerical data. Most included clinical studies lacked appropriate control groups, and trials exhibited substantial heterogeneity in patient populations and stimulation parameters. Optimal dosing and light delivery protocols remain undefined.