Using chronotherapy to treat depressive episodes

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• St. Olavs Hospital, Nidaros DPS
  Trondheim, Norway Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Knut Langsrud, PhD, MD
• Email: knut.langsrud@stolav.no
• Phone: +47 92647191

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.