Chromotherapy As A Complementary Approach In Mental Illness: Mechanisms, Evidence, And Clinical Perspectives

Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is a complementary approach that uses color exposure to influence psychological and physiological states. In recent years, interest has increased in its potential role in mental health management, particularly as a non-invasive and low-cost adjunctive intervention. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the theoretical mechanisms, current evidence, and clinical relevance of chromotherapy in mental illness. A narrative review was conducted using scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) with keywords including chromotherapy, color therapy, mental health, anxiety, and depression. Studies investigating psychological outcomes, physiological responses, and therapeutic applications were included. Findings indicate that although some reports suggest beneficial effects, such as reduced anxiety associated with exposure to cool colors and mood enhancement linked to warmer tones, the evidence remains limited, heterogeneous, and largely based on small-scale or noncontrolled studies. No standardized protocols exist regarding color intensity, exposure duration, or therapeutic context. In conclusion, chromotherapy shows potential as a supportive strategy in mental health, particularly for stress and anxiety reduction, but current data are insufficient to recommend it as a standalone treatment. Future research should focus on controlled clinical trials, neurobiological assessments, and standardized methodologies to better determine its efficacy and clinical applicability.