Using chronotherapy to treat depressive episodes
Chronotherapy for Patients With a Depressive Episode in a Public Mental Health Care Clinic in Norway: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if a new treatment called chronotherapy, which includes adjusting sleep patterns and using light therapy, can help people with moderate to severe depression feel better compared to standard treatment alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Olavs Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trondheim) |
| Trial ID | NCT05691647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of chronotherapy, a non-pharmacological approach that includes sleep deprivation, sleep-phase adjustments, and light therapy, in treating moderate to severe depressive episodes. The trial compares the effects of chronotherapy combined with treatment as usual (TAU) against TAU alone, focusing on self-reported depressive symptoms one week after randomization. A total of 76 patients diagnosed with a depressive episode will be enrolled, and their outcomes will be monitored to assess the safety and efficacy of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been newly diagnosed with a moderate or severe depressive episode and can communicate in a Scandinavian language.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions contraindicated for chronotherapy, such as epilepsy or psychotic depression, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a faster and more effective treatment option for patients experiencing depressive episodes.
How similar studies have performed: While there are few studies on combining these chronotherapeutic techniques, existing evidence suggests potential effectiveness, making this approach both innovative and promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria. Patients eligible for the trial must comply with all the following at randomization: * Being 18 years or older * Willing and able to provide a written informed consent * Newly diagnosed with an ongoing moderate or severe depressive episode according to the International Classification of Disorders 10th edition (ICD-10) and accepted for treatment for the depressive episode. The diagnosis is set in consensus of a licensed therapist and a specialist in psychiatry/psychology. * The patient must score ≥ 9 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-6. * Must be able to communicate in a Scandinavian language Exclusion criteria. Patients are considered ineligible for participation if any of the following are present: * Illnesses and treatments where chronotherapy may be contraindicated (for example epilepsy, ongoing attack of multiple sclerosis, blindness, narcolepsy and psychotic depression, ECT treatment). * Known pregnancy. * Individuals with a known diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder (F60.3). * Individuals with a known psychotic disorder * Shiftwork or other related social or work circumstances that inhibit participation * Participation in an ongoing trial at the outpatient clinic that encompasses digital cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (recruitment to this trial will end in 2023).
Where this trial is running
Trondheim
- St. Olavs Hospital, Nidaros DPS — Trondheim, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Knut Langsrud, PhD, MD
- Email: knut.langsrud@stolav.no
- Phone: +47 92647191
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.