Chronotherapy remains more effective than exercise in treating major depression over 20 weeks

Patients receiving the chronotherapeutic intervention had a 61.9% remission rate compared to 37.9% in the exercise group at week 29.

• The study involved 75 patients with major depression over a 29-week randomized controlled trial.
• Remission rates were significantly higher in the wake group compared to the exercise group, with an odds ratio of 2.6.
• Patients in the wake group showed continued improvement, with remission rates increasing from 44.8% at 9 weeks to 61.9% at 29 weeks.
• Endpoint scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were lower in the wake group, indicating less severe depression symptoms.
• This research is the first to indicate that adjunct short-term wake therapy and long-term bright light therapy may effectively help achieve and maintain remission.

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