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
Sponsors and collaborators
University of Pittsburgh
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator