Moderators of cognitive therapy and bright light therapy effects on depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer

Background Cognitive therapy (CT) and bright light therapy (BLT) have been found to be effective to treat depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients. No study has investigated the baseline patients’ characteristics that are associated with better outcomes with CT vs. BLT in this population. This study aimed to assess, in breast cancer patients, the moderating role of eight clinical variables on the effects of CT and BLT on depressive symptoms. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial conducted in 59 women who received an 8-week CT or BLT and completed questionnaires evaluating depression and possible moderating variables. Results Patients benefited more from BLT when they had no prior history of major depressive disorder, higher depression scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) at baseline, a greater initial preference for BLT, and when they received BLT during spring or summer. Patients benefited more from CT when they had a lower initial preference for receiving CT, higher depression scores on the HADS-D, and seasonal depressive symptoms. Conclusions Although replication is needed, findings of this study suggest the existence of different profiles of patients more likely to benefit from CT and BLT