The Effects of Artificial Lighting on Affective and Core Symptoms of Eating Disorder

The primary objective of this pilot study is to explore the effect of artificial lighting on affective symptoms, and the secondary aim is to explore the effect of artificial lighting on core symptoms of eating disorders (ED). If an effect is indicated, the study will provide information on how to improve light exposure to ED patients in psychiatric treatment units. In addition, the outcomes may help identify a better system for measurement and adjustment of the specific light variables of colour temperature and light intensity. Several lines of evidence, albeit from hypothesis generation studies, suggest that artificial lighting may have a positive effect on well‐being, mental health and affective symptoms in ED. This is the rationale to investigate the effects of artificial lighting on affective symptoms and cores symptoms of ED in inpatients undergoing weight restoration/treatment for ED. Study design: Single‐blind, controlled, pilot intervention study with circadian light (CL) comparing two CL regimens effects on mood symptoms. Planned number of subjects: 16 patients with a International Classification of Disorders 10 (ICD‐10) diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, that completes exposure to at least three weeks of the two different CL regimens (L1 and L2) in any order. Location: Mental Health Center Ballerup, department 14 (currently Department 5). Diagnostic inventory: Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q)