Effects of blue light on emotional brain function in depressed adolescents and young adults
Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults
NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT05712772
This study tests if exposure to blue light can improve emotional brain function in depressed teens and young adults compared to red light.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05712772 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates how therapeutic blue light exposure affects emotional brain function in individuals with depression, comparing its effects to non-therapeutic red light. Participants will undergo MRI scans to assess brain activity in response to both light types, alongside pupillometry tests and clinical interviews. The study aims to determine if blue light has a stronger stabilizing effect on emotional function in adolescents compared to young adults. Additionally, participants will track their sleep patterns for a week to provide further insights into the relationship between light exposure and emotional health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adolescents and young adults diagnosed with a major depressive episode who meet specific inclusion criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with severe medical illnesses, neurological disorders, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new light-based therapies for improving emotional regulation in depressed adolescents and young adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using light therapy is established, this specific investigation into developmental differences in response to light is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Elevated Depressive Symptoms \[PHQ9≥5 And (Item 1≥1 or Item 2≥1)\] * (If \<18yr) Parent or guardian can attend the baseline clinical interview Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to read and write in English * Intellectual disability. * Left or mixed handedness * Changes to psychotropic medication type or dosage in the past 2 months * Lifetime bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or substance/alcohol disorder in the past 3 months. * Factors influencing light and color sensitivity (i.e., color-blindness, serious ophthalmological conditions, photo-sensitizing medication). * Factors influencing the ability to maintain a stable sleep schedule (i.e., shift work, severe sleep disorders, extremely late or early sleep schedule). * Severe medical illness, neurological disorders, or history of head trauma. * Current pregnancy or nursing * MRI contraindication (e.g., metals in the body, recent tattoo, claustrophobia) * Positive alcohol or substance use screen at MRI visit
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Western Psychiatric Hospital — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adriane M Soehner, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Adriane M Soehner, PhD
- Email: soehneram2@upmc.edu
- Phone: 4122466651
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.
Conditions: Depression in Adolescence, Depression in Adults