[Efficacy of variable light in child and adolescent psychiatry]

Abstract

Objective:  Studies regarding effects of light on children in regular schools show that variable light can be used to increase concentration capacity and decrease fidgetiness. These results suggest the application of specific lighting techniques in child and adolescent psychiatry to improve the conditions for therapeutic success. 

Method:  The lighting programs “concentration” and “soothing” of the variable light were evaluated in a clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry based on an A-B-A-B design. Standard lighting was used as a control condition. In the setting of the clinic school the concentration capacity of n = 30 patients was examined by means of the d2-test and self-assessment was measured by questionnaires. A video-based method of optical analysis assessed the fidgetiness of n = 42 patients during discussions. 

Results:  Concerning the concentration capacity this study showed significant medium effects for both main results of the d2-test for intervention conditions. Self-assessment showed a decrease of concentration and an increase of stress and tiredness for interventions conditions. Fidgetiness decreased significantly with a large effect size by using variable light.

Conclusions:  The results provide first evidence that variable light can be used to optimize the conditions in child and adolescent psychiatry in order to support the therapeutic success.

Keywords: child and adolescent psychiatry; concentration; evaluation; fidgetiness; Light.