Bright Light Therapy for Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effectiveness of bright light therapy for treating depression in individuals aged 60 and older who are currently hospitalized. Bright light therapy involves sitting near a light box that mimics natural sunlight, potentially improving mood. The study compares bright light therapy to a dim red light that does not affect depression. Individuals hospitalized for depression who have never tried bright light therapy might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are using medications that make you sensitive to light, you cannot participate. It's best to discuss your medications with the study team.
What prior data suggests that bright light therapy is safe for elderly depressed inpatients?
Research has shown that bright light therapy (BLT) is generally safe for treating depression. Studies have found that bright light levels between 7,500 and 10,000 lux are well-tolerated. No major safety issues were reported in studies using BLT for both seasonal and non-seasonal depression. Additionally, significant side effects related to BLT have not been found, making it a reliable option for many people. These findings suggest that BLT is a safe treatment choice for those considering joining a clinical trial.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for depression?
Unlike standard depression treatments that often involve medications like SSRIs or therapy sessions, Bright Light Therapy (BLT) offers a unique approach by using bright white light at 10,000 lux. This therapy is administered in just 30 minutes each morning, ideally soon after waking up, and could provide a non-invasive option with fewer side effects than traditional medications. Researchers are excited because BLT can potentially work faster and is especially promising for those who may not respond well to medication or who prefer a drug-free treatment option.
What evidence suggests that bright light therapy might be an effective treatment for depression?
Research has shown that bright light therapy (BLT), which participants in this trial may receive, can help treat various types of depression, including both seasonal and non-seasonal forms. A review of several studies found that BLT can reduce symptoms in people with major depressive disorder (MDD), making it a convenient option for many. Studies have also shown that teenagers can successfully use BLT at home, demonstrating its practicality and effectiveness. While most research focuses on younger people or those not in hospitals, this trial will examine how BLT affects older adults who are inpatients. Overall, current evidence supports the potential benefits of BLT for depression.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Rindy Fernandes, DO
Principal Investigator
Medical University of South Carolina
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 60 or older who are currently hospitalized with non-psychotic unipolar depression as their primary psychiatric issue. They must have a score of 8 or higher on the HAMD-17 depression scale to qualify.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either bright light therapy or dim red light therapy for up to 6 weeks while hospitalized
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bright Light Therapy
Trial Overview
The study tests bright light therapy's effectiveness in treating depression among elderly inpatients, comparing it against dim red light as a control condition to see if there's an improvement in depressive symptoms.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Participants in the intervention group will receive bright light therapy (BLT) consisting of 10,000 lux of bright white light administered for 30 minutes each morning, ideally within 30 minutes of awakening. Participants in both arms will continue to receive other treatment as usual (group therapy and medication management) as deemed appropriate by their treating clinicians.
Participants in the control group will receive a placebo condition using an identical light box fitted with a translucent red screen to emit dim red light at an intensity of less than 2,500 lux, which lacks efficacy for depression treatment based on prior research. Participants in both arms will continue to receive other treatment as usual (group therapy and medication management) as deemed appropriate by their treating clinicians.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
Citations
Home | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health ...
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Bright Light Therapy for Nonseasonal Depressive Disorders
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of bright light therapy as an adjunctive treatment for nonseasonal ...
Bright Light Therapy: Growing Evidence Beyond Seasonal ...
... late 2024, found that bright light therapy was an effective supplementary treatment for depressive disorders other than seasonal depression.
The effect of bright light therapy on major depressive disorder
This meta-analysis offers positive evidence that favours BLT in alleviating depressive symptoms in MDD, suggesting that it could be a convenient and easily ...
Bright Light Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder in ...
Bright light treatment that was self-administered at home was feasible, acceptable, and effective for adolescent outpatients with depression.
Efficacy and safety of bright light therapy for manic and ...
Outcomes are summarized in Tables 3 and S6. Three RCT reported remission rates from depressive episodes after BLT as the primary study outcome.17, 20, 32 ...
Effectiveness of bright light therapy in patients suffering ...
Meta-analyses combining evidence from these studies concluded that BLT using between 7500 and 10.000 lux was a safe treatment option for MDD, and a depressive ...
Bright Light Therapy for Nonseasonal Depressive Disorders
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of bright light therapy as an adjunctive treatment for nonseasonal ...
Bright Light Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder in ...
Results: Of the nine enrolled adolescents, the rate of daily use of the light therapy box was 100% at week 2, 78% at week 4 (n = 7), and 67% at ...
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