Effects of cognitive behavioural therapy and bright light therapy on depression in adolescents with evening chronotype
Effects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Bright Light Therapy in Youth With Unipolar Depression and Evening Chronotype: An Assessor-blind Parallel-group Randomised Controlled Trial
This study is testing if combining therapy with bright light treatment can help teenagers who feel depressed and tend to stay up late feel better and improve their sleep.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 162 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06092411 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) combined with bright light therapy in treating unipolar depression in adolescents who have an evening chronotype. Participants aged 12-20 will engage in eight weekly group sessions of CBT while also using a portable light device for 30 minutes daily over seven weeks. The study will assess changes in depression severity, sleep patterns, and overall quality of life. By focusing on both psychological and circadian factors, the trial seeks to improve treatment outcomes for youth with depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese adolescents aged 12-20 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of depressive disorders and an evening chronotype.
Not a fit: Patients with substance abuse issues, severe mental disorders, or those who do not meet the specific chronotype criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce depression severity and improve the quality of life for adolescents with evening chronotype.
How similar studies have performed: While CBT has been extensively studied, the combination with bright light therapy in this specific population is a novel approach with limited prior research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Chinese aged 12-20 years old. 2. Written informed consent of participation into the study is given by the participant and his/her parent or guardian (for those aged under 18). 3. Being able to comply with the study protocol. 4. Having a DSM-5 diagnosis of depressive disorders. 5. Having a score of ≥ 40 on Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS-R). 6. Having a score of ≤ 41 on Horne-Östberg Morning-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ; classified as evening chronotype). 7. Having a sleep onset time of 11:15pm or later for 12 year olds, 11:30pm or later for 13-14 year olds, and 12:00pm or later for 15-20 years at least 3 nights per week in the past 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: 1. A current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; a current or past history of manic or hypomanic episode, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, organic mental disorders, or intellectual disabilities. 2. Initiation of and change of medication that may interfere with circadian rhythm within past 3 months (e.g., lithium, exogenous melatonin, melatonergic antidepressants). 3. In the opinion of the research clinician, having a clinically significant suicidality (presence of suicidal ideation with a plan or an attempt). 4. Having been enrolled in any other clinical trial investigational products within one month at the entry of the study. 5. Initiation of or change in antidepressant medication within past 3 months. 6. Having been or is currently receiving any structured psychotherapy. 7. With hearing or speech deficit. 8. Night shift worker. 9. Trans-meridian flight in the past 1 month and during intervention. 10. Presence of an eye disease (e.g., retinal blindness, severe cataract, glaucoma).
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Sleep Research Clinic & Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shirley X Li, DClinPsy
- Email: shirley.li@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 39177035
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.