Light Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
(KLTO Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether light therapy is effective for reducing symptoms in young adults with OCD and late bedtimes (1am or later). The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are:Does light therapy reduce OCD symptoms? Does light therapy advance the circadian clock? If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare a higher dose of light therapy to a lower dose to see if dose amount affects symptom reduction.Participants will asked to:1. Wear light therapy glasses for 1 hour each morning and complete a daily light therapy log for 5 weeks2. Track their sleep every day with a wearable monitor and an electronic sleep diary for 5 weeks3. Complete a 1-time assessment of sensitivity to light exposure4. Complete self-report measures of OCD 4 times/day at baseline (2 weeks), mid-treatment (1 week), and end of treatment (1 week)
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, medication status is listed as an exclusion criterion, so it might be important to discuss your current medications with the study team.
Is light therapy safe for humans?
How is light therapy different from other treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Light therapy is unique because it uses bright light exposure to potentially influence circadian rhythms (the body's internal clock), which can affect mood and behavior. Unlike traditional medications for OCD, light therapy is non-invasive and involves sitting near a light box for a set period, typically in the morning.23567
What data supports the effectiveness of light therapy as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
While light therapy has shown effectiveness in treating seasonal and non-seasonal depression, its impact on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is less clear. A study found no response to bright light therapy in a small group of OCD patients, but consistent scheduling and set lights out times in inpatient programs have been associated with improved treatment responses for OCD.23568
Who Is on the Research Team?
Rebecca Cox, PhD
Principal Investigator
Washington University School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who typically go to bed at 1am or later. Participants will use light therapy glasses and track their sleep, while also completing assessments related to their OCD symptoms.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Participants complete self-report measures of OCD 4 times/day for 2 weeks and undergo baseline assessments
Treatment
Participants wear light therapy glasses for 1 hour each morning and track their sleep for 5 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Light Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Washington University School of Medicine
Lead Sponsor