Using light and negative ion therapy to prevent depression relapse

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 feasibility study aims to evaluate the use of light therapy and negative ion therapy as alternatives to antidepressants for maintaining remission in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD). Over 28 weeks, 100 participants currently in remission will gradually taper off their antidepressants while receiving one of the two therapies. The study will assess the feasibility of these non-medication treatments in preventing relapse, with participants monitored bi-weekly for depressive symptoms and relapse. The study is designed to inform a larger, definitive trial based on the findings.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria for MDD, as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID).
* Taking a first-line antidepressant at approved doses (Table 1), with dose unchanged in the past month.
* Participant desire to discontinue antidepressant treatment because of adverse effects or other reasons;
* In remission as defined by score ≤10 on the clinician-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at both the screening visit and baseline visit, at least 2 weeks apart.
* Willing and able to complete self-report and online assessments including sufficient fluency in English or French.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any psychiatric diagnosis other than MDD that is considered the primary diagnosis, including Bipolar I or Bipolar-II (lifetime). Note that comorbid anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder) will not be excluded if the anxiety disorder is not the primary diagnosis.
* Diagnosis of MDD with seasonal pattern (i.e., seasonal affective disorder, SAD) or with psychotic features (lifetime).
* Significant personality disorder diagnosis \[e.g., antisocial\] by MINI and clinical assessment.
* High suicidal risk, defined by clinician judgment.
* History of alcohol or substance use disorder, with a severity of at least moderate or severe, within 6 months before screening.
* Significant neurological disorders, head trauma, or other unstable medical conditions.
* Regular use of psychotropic medication other than an antidepressant or benzodiazepines (e.g., antipsychotics, mood stabilizers); Note - Stimulant medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are allowed if dose is stable in past month.
* History of severe antidepressant discontinuation effects.
* Retinal disease or other eye condition (e.g., macular degeneration) precluding the use of bright light treatment.
* Use of photosensitizing medication (thioridazine, chloroquine, 8-methoxypsoralen) within 1 week of baseline visit.
* Initiated formal psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy) within 3 months of Visit 1, or who plan to initiate psychotherapy during the study.
* Continued use of any other evidence-based treatment for depression.

Where it's running

• Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health
  Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Raymond W Lam, MD — University of British Columbia
• Study coordinator: Vanessa Evans, BSc
• Email: vanessa.evans@ubc.ca
• Phone: 604-822-8102

Similar studies

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

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy via videoconference or self-help for preventing depression relapse

  This trial tests whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy delivered by videoconference or as a self-help program with light support can help adults with recurrent major depressive disorder stay well when added to usual care.

  Recruiting at 5 sites Fundació Sant Joan de Déu · Elche, Alicante and 4 other locations · NCT06832605

• Acute Blood Flow Restriction Walking in Type 2 Diabetes

  This study tests whether adding blood flow restriction to treadmill walking affects immune cells in adults with type 2 diabetes.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Kelowna, British Columbia · NCT07928531

• Wellness program for PSP and CBD: a virtual multimodal lifestyle approach

  This study tests a virtual 8-week program combining chair yoga, voice strengthening, and peer support to see if it improves emotional wellbeing and quality of life for adults with PSP or CBD and whether it eases caregiver burden.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07844655

• Effects of Exercise Snacks on Muscle Size and Strength in Healthy Young Adults

  This study tests whether many small workouts throughout the week can build muscle size and improve strength in healthy, untrained young adults compared with the usual twice-weekly workouts.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07760597

• Can a phone version of the Mini-Cog identify cognitive impairment before surgery?

  This study tests whether a telephone-based Mini-Cog can reliably detect cognitive impairment in adults 65 and older before they have surgery.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07760545

• Ivabradine to lower heart rate during exercise in healthy adults

  This study tests whether taking ivabradine can slow heart rate during exercise in healthy young and older adults.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07717710

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.