Poster
50
(#50) Shining New Light on Depression: Evidence From Randomized Trials on the Safety and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in Major Depressive Disorder
Psych Congress 2025
Abstract: Introduction: While photobiomodulation (PBM) shows emerging potential for treating mood disorders, its safety and efficacy in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain controversial, with ongoing research seeking to clarify its role.
Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PBM versus placebo (sham) therapy for patients with MDD. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to assess continuous outcomes, with statistical significance set at p 0.05.
Results: Four RCTs were included, comprising 158 patients with MDD, of whom 72 (45.5%) received PBM. In terms of efficacy, no significant differences in depressive symptoms were observed between the PBM and placebo groups, as measured by standardized rating scales (SMD: -0.15; 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.16; p = 0.34). Regarding safety, no statistically significant differences were found between groups in the incidence of adverse events, including local skin reactions, and cardiovascular, cognitive, or neurological symptoms.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that while PBM is not associated with increased adverse events, its therapeutic benefit for MDD remains uncertain. PBM protocols varied in wavelength (630-850 nm), duration, and session frequency, which may contribute to inconsistent outcomes. The results should be interpreted with caution, and further research is warranted.
Short Description: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising non-pharmacologic intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD), but evidence remains limited. This meta-analysis found no significant improvement in depressive symptoms or increase in adverse events compared to placebo. Protocol differences across studies may contribute to mixed findings. Results suggest that PBM is safe but not yet proven effective, warranting further investigation before clinical adoption.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A
Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PBM versus placebo (sham) therapy for patients with MDD. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Analyses were conducted using a random-effects model. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to assess continuous outcomes, with statistical significance set at p 0.05.
Results: Four RCTs were included, comprising 158 patients with MDD, of whom 72 (45.5%) received PBM. In terms of efficacy, no significant differences in depressive symptoms were observed between the PBM and placebo groups, as measured by standardized rating scales (SMD: -0.15; 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.16; p = 0.34). Regarding safety, no statistically significant differences were found between groups in the incidence of adverse events, including local skin reactions, and cardiovascular, cognitive, or neurological symptoms.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that while PBM is not associated with increased adverse events, its therapeutic benefit for MDD remains uncertain. PBM protocols varied in wavelength (630-850 nm), duration, and session frequency, which may contribute to inconsistent outcomes. The results should be interpreted with caution, and further research is warranted.
Short Description: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising non-pharmacologic intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD), but evidence remains limited. This meta-analysis found no significant improvement in depressive symptoms or increase in adverse events compared to placebo. Protocol differences across studies may contribute to mixed findings. Results suggest that PBM is safe but not yet proven effective, warranting further investigation before clinical adoption.
Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A
