Brain Response to Blue versus Red Light in Teens and Young Adults with Depression

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how different types of light affect emotional brain function in people with depression, focusing on adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 30. The study compares the effects of blue light versus red light on brain activity related to emotions and reward processing. It explores whether blue light has a stronger stabilizing effect on emotional brain function in adolescents compared to young adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive exposure to blue light followed by red light or red light followed by blue light during a magnetic resonance imaging MRI brain scan. This scan measures brain blood flow and activity in specific regions during exposure to the different lights. The study also includes a pupillometry test to assess sensitivity to blue and red light, clinical interviews, and home sleep tracking using diaries and actigraphy for one week. During the study, participants will complete MRI scans, pupillometry tests, clinical surveys, and interviews, along with sleep monitoring at home. Researchers will assess brain activity and connectivity in response to light exposure, focusing on areas like the amygdala and ventral striatum. Safety screening includes checking for drug and alcohol use, MRI safety, and pregnancy status. The study measures emotional brain responses and tracks sleep patterns over the course of participation.

Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults