How light affects mood in depressed teens and young adults
Neuro-affective response to light in depressed adolescents and young adults
This study is looking at how morning bright light therapy can help teenagers and young adults with depression feel better, especially by seeing how different types of light, like blue light, affect their mood and brain, to find a helpful treatment that doesn't involve medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10684070 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of morning bright light therapy on adolescents and young adults suffering from depression. It aims to understand how light influences mood by examining the brain's response to different types of light, particularly blue light, which may enhance the therapeutic effects. The study will assess whether the mechanisms that help adults respond to light therapy also apply to younger individuals, considering their unique developmental differences. By exploring these responses, the research seeks to establish a non-medication treatment option for those who do not benefit from traditional antidepressants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing depressive symptoms or who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide an effective, low-cost treatment option for adolescents and young adults with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for light therapy in adults, suggesting that similar approaches may be effective for younger populations, although this specific application is less tested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soehner, Adriane M. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Soehner, Adriane M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.