Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is commonly treated with bright light therapy. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive computer-generated environment, which has been used to treat mental health difficulties, such as depression, social anxiety and stress. This study aims to compare the use of VR with bright light therapy in treating SAD.
Participants will be randomly allocated to either the VR condition or the light box condition and instructed to use the respective device every day for 14 days.
fluent in English and capable of giving informed consent
18 or older
resident in the United Kingdom and
able to access internet and attend Anglia Ruskin University's Cambridge campus
declared suffering from epilepsy (due to the risk that seizures may be triggered by VR use).
currently using photosensitizing medications or have significant retinal pathology, due to potentially detrimental effects of light box use. For other ophthalmologic conditions, consultation with an ophthalmologist will be recommended.
currently receiving active treatment for SAD, including antidepressant medication (less than 3 months), bright light treatment, or psychotherapy (e.g. CBT for seasonal affective disorder).
Anglia Ruskin University
Lead sponsor
Reneural Technologies Ltd.
Collaborator
Aerial Icon Ltd.
Collaborator
Innovate UK, UKRI
Collaborator