Blue light treatment of psychiatric disorders: relationships with systemic inflammation, lipid metabolism, and clinical symptoms

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric disorders impose a substantial burden on individuals and society, and current treatment exhibit limited efficacy. Emerging evidence indicates that blue light exposure can influence mood and psychiatric conditions, yet its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Since that systemic inflammation is regarded as an important factor in mental health, this study explores the potential relationships between blue light therapy, immune-related pathways, and psychiatric symptoms. Method: In this single-center retrospective study, medical records from 270 hospitalized psychiatric patients were analyzed. Patients received either routine treatment alone or in combination with blue light therapy, and were further stratified by season, treatment duration, and primary diagnosis. Results: Blue light therapy was related to significant changes in key inflammation markers and psychiatric symptoms. Notably, we observed seasonal variations in the relationship between immune markers and specific psychiatric symptoms following blue light therapy. Conclusion: Blue light therapy may offer a promising adjunctive approach for psychiatric disorders potentially through its associations with systemic inflammation and related symptoms. More studies are needed to explore its pathology and potential applications in clinical settings.