Modified interpersonal and social rhythm therapy via modulation of ambient light.

Abstract

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is an effective psychotherapy approach for long-term management of bipolar disorder.1 The main purpose of IPSRT is to regularize social and biological daily rhythms in order to promote mood stability and facilitate good sleep. The patients are required to record daily activities (e.g., time out of bed, first contact with another person, meal times, bedtime) on the Social Rhythm Metric (SRM).1 The SRM is useful for monitoring the dynamic interplay among instabilities in daily routines, patterns of social stimulation, sleep-wake times, and mood fluctuations. However, the SRM does not attach importance to the effect of ambient light. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.