Bright light therapy for adolescents with depression who are evening-types
Bright Light Therapy for Adolescents With Depression and Eveningness - a Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Assessor-blinded Study
This will see if daily bright light therapy helps Chinese teens (ages 12–19) with non-seasonal unipolar depression who are evening-types.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06973759 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, placebo-controlled, assessor-blinded trial at the Chinese University of Hong Kong compares daily bright light therapy to dim red light (placebo) in adolescents with unipolar non-seasonal depression and an evening chronotype. Eligible participants aged 12–19 who meet DSM-5 criteria for unipolar depression and have an rMEQ score < 12 are randomized to eight weeks of daily light treatment. Depression severity (CDRS-R), sleep parameters, and circadian markers are measured at baseline, during treatment, after eight weeks, and at follow-up. Key exclusions include bipolar or psychotic disorders, intellectual disability, active substance dependence, and clinically significant suicidality.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Chinese adolescents aged 12–19 with DSM-5 unipolar non-seasonal depression, CDRS-R ≥ 40, and an rMEQ score < 12 who do not have bipolar history, psychosis, intellectual disability, or active substance dependence.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, active substance dependence, or clinically significant suicidality are excluded and would not be expected to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, bright light therapy could offer a low-risk, non-drug option to improve mood and shift sleep timing in evening-type adolescents with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Bright light therapy has clear benefits for seasonal depression and some positive results in adults with non-seasonal depression, but its use specifically in adolescents with eveningness is relatively novel and evidence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Chinese, aged 12-19 years old; 2. Written informed assent/consent of participation into the study is given by the participant and his/her parent or guardian (for those aged under 18), respectively; 3. Having a DSM-5 diagnosis of unipolar non-seasonal depression as confirmed by the Chinese version of the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) psychiatric interview, DSM-5 Seasonal specifier, AND having a score on Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS-R) at least 40; 4. Being classified as evening chronotype according to the score on the reduced Horne-Östberg Morning-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), i.e. \<12. Exclusion Criteria: 1. A current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; a current or past history of manic or hypomanic episode, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, organic mental disorders, or intellectual disabilities; 2. Having a clinically significant suicidality (presence of suicidal ideation with a plan or an attempt) as assessed by K-SADS; 3. Having been enrolled in any other clinical trial investigational products within one month at the entry of the study; 4. Initiation of or change in antidepressant medication within past 4 weeks; 5. Having been or is currently receiving any structured psychotherapy; 6. With hearing or speech deficit; 7. Night shift worker; 8. Trans-meridian flight across at least two time zones in the past 3 months and during the study; 9. Presence of an eye disease, e.g., retinal blindness, severe cataract, glaucoma.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joey WY Chan
- Email: joeywychan@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 39197647
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.