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Interested in Participating in UPMC’s Light Therapy Study?

Researchers at Western Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC are seeking participants for an ongoing study of light therapy to treat bipolar depression.

If selected, you will be provided a light box for daily use in your home or office. To be eligible, you must be:

  • Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type I or II
  • Experiencing a current major depressive episode
  • Between the ages of 18 to 75
  • Taking mood stabilizer medication for at least four weeks

For more information, contact James McGowan at 412-246-5346 or 1-800-436-2461.

Symptoms of bipolar depression

Bipolar depression lasts about two weeks or longer, and can include these symptoms:

  • Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed
  • Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Loss of appetite, weight loss/gain, or overeating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches or chronic pain
  • Mood swings
  • Feeling overly happy or outgoing
  • Increased activity and plans
  • Racing thoughts
  • Talking very fast and jumping from one idea to another
  • Extreme irritability or agitation

In the News

Read more about a past research study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh on mothers and postpartum depression.

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