Bright light therapy for adolescents with depression who are evening-types

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.