Treating teen depression by targeting sleep and the body clock
A Confirmatory Efficacy Trial of Engaging a Novel Sleep/Circadian Rhythm Target as Treatment for Depression in Adolescents
['FUNDING_R01'] · CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES · NIH-11340260
This project offers a sleep- and circadian-focused therapy for teens (ages 12–20) with major depression who tend to stay up late.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11340260 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I am a teenager with depression and a late sleep schedule, and this project uses a behavioral therapy called TranS-C to help shift sleep timing and improve mood. The team will measure biological night timing using saliva melatonin tests (DLMO) and track wake times to see if aligning sleep with the body clock helps symptoms. Participants receive structured therapy sessions focused on sleep habits, timing, and circadian routines and are compared to an active control group. The trial follows youth over time to confirm earlier promising results and check whether mood improvements last.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12–20 with diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder who show an evening circadian preference (prefer later sleep–wake times).
Not a fit: Teens without a late sleep–wake preference, whose depression is driven by other primary causes, or who cannot engage in behavioral therapy sessions may be unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this therapy could reduce depressive symptoms and suicide risk by improving sleep timing and circadian alignment in teens.
How similar studies have performed: A prior small trial of TranS-C in 42 adolescents with depression and evening preference showed better depression trajectories for one year versus an active control, so this trial aims to confirm those findings.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ASARNOW, LAUREN — CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: ASARNOW, LAUREN
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.