Evaluating Bright Light Therapy Versus Dim Red Light for Cognitive Impairment in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder Using Brain Imaging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of bright light therapy BLT on cognitive impairment in adults with major depressive disorder MDD. This study aims to validate the safety and effectiveness of BLT for improving cognitive function, understand brain circuit changes related to treatment, and explore how these brain changes influence cognitive outcomes. Participants must be adults with MDD, either on stable selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI monotherapy for at least four weeks or medication-free before joining. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the experimental group receiving bright light therapy at 10,000 lux, or the control group receiving dim red light at less than 100 lux. Both groups will undergo their respective light interventions for 40 minutes per day, six days a week, between 7 AM and 10 AM, for four weeks. The study includes a follow-up visit four weeks after the intervention ends. During the study, participants will keep a daily record of light exposure and complete a sleep diary. Throughout the study, various assessments will be conducted to evaluate cognitive function, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, quality of life, and side effects. These include standardized cognitive tests, depression and anxiety rating scales, sleep and quality of life questionnaires, and safety evaluations. Functional and structural MRI scans will be performed before and after the intervention to observe brain changes. Evaluations occur at baseline and multiple time points during and after treatment, with ongoing monitoring of symptoms and treatment adherence.

Efficacy of Bright Light Therapy on Cognitive Impairment in Major Depressive Disorder and Its Neuroimaging Mechanisms: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial