Using near-infrared light to improve blood flow in the brain for treating depression
Transcranial Near Infrared Radiation and Cerebral Blood Flow in Depression (TRIADE)
This study is exploring whether shining near-infrared light on a specific part of the brain can help people with major depressive disorder feel better, by improving blood flow and brain function, and it’s looking for volunteers to see how different light doses work compared to a fake treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11013407 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared light as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). The approach involves applying light to the prefrontal cortex to stimulate blood flow and enhance mitochondrial function, which may alleviate depressive symptoms. The study will first assess how different doses of light affect blood flow in the brain using advanced imaging techniques, followed by a randomized trial comparing the effects of the treatment against a placebo. Participants will be monitored for changes in their symptoms and overall safety of the treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to existing treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological conditions or those who are not diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option for patients suffering from depression with fewer side effects than current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar light-based therapies for various conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for depression.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iosifescu, Dan Vlad — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Iosifescu, Dan Vlad
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.