The Effect of Fluorescent Light on Anxiety Patients

Aim Anxiety is an emotion recognized by a feeling of tension and agitation along with physiological excitement. Several factors could influence the moods, emotions, and behaviors of patients with anxiety disorders. One of these factors includes exposure to different lightings. In lots of working environments, fluorescent lights are the most dominant light source. Due to the dominance and exposure of fluorescent light, it has been proven that it could have different effects on the human body. Up to our knowledge, no previous or recent studies addressed the relationship between fluorescent light and anxiety disorders, even though based on observations, many patients with anxiety disorders have complained when exposed to fluorescent light. This research determined whether fluorescent light caused discomfort and amplified anxiety symptoms in anxiety patients in comparison to healthy individuals. In other words, the purpose is to determine the effect of fluorescent light on anxiety patients. Methods The study design was comparative cross-sectional. Two questionnaires were used, one was a validated screening tool called the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), which was used to screen participants for mental disorders. The second was a self-administered, piloted, and validated questionnaire that included questions regarding the effects of fluorescent light on participants. This study was carried out in the outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah between July 2019 and November 2019. A non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Results The sample size was 206 participants. Seventy-five percent of participants with anxiety disorders agreed that they do not feel comfortable with the lighting of this clinic more than healthy participants that were only 25.0% (P = 0.007). When exposed to a room with fluorescent lighting, most of the participants with anxiety disorders would try to adapt to the lights (66.7%) or leave the room (73.7%) than healthy participants (P = 0.007). Furthermore, fluorescent light reminded participants of anxiety disorders of “old house and old places,” “headaches, negativity, and discomfort,” and “hospitals and schools.” Conclusion Participants with anxiety disorders are affected by fluorescent light. They feel uncomfortable and would prefer to either leave the place with fluorescent light or try to adapt. Fluorescent light reminds anxiety participants of negative aspects more than healthy participants.