Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age12-30
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh

About this trial

The goal of this neuroimaging pilot study is to understand developmental differences in the impact of therapeutic wavelength light (blue light) versus a non-therapeutic wavelength (red light) on emotional brain function in depression. The main questions this study aims to answer are:

* Does acute exposure to blue light (vs red light) stabilize emotional brain function in depressed individuals? * Are stabilizing effects of blue light (vs red light) stronger for blue light in adolescents than young adults?

Participants will complete:

* A magnetic resonance imaging brain scan, in which we will examine the effect of blue versus red light on emotional brain function at rest and in response to rewards and losses. * A pupillometry test of sensitivity to blue vs red light * Clinical interviews and surveys * Screening measures for drug and alcohol use, MRI safety, and current pregnancy \[if relevant\] * Home sleep tracking with sleep diary and actigraphy for one week

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Elevated Depressive Symptoms [PHQ9≥5 And (Item 1≥1 or Item 2≥1)]

(If <18yr) Parent or guardian can attend the baseline clinical interview

Disqualifiers

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

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Blue Light
  • Red Light

Treatment groups

80 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

University of Pittsburgh

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator