Actively Recruiting
Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2025-08-11
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Elevated depressive symptoms with PHQ9 score of 5 or higher and at least 1 point on item 1 or item 2
- For participants under 18 years, a parent or guardian must be able to attend the baseline clinical interview
- Age between 12 and 30 years
- Ability to read and write in English
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to read and write in English
- Intellectual disability
- Left or mixed handedness
- Changes in psychotropic medication type or dosage within the past 2 months
- Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- Substance or alcohol disorder within the past 3 months
- Conditions affecting light or color sensitivity (e.g., color-blindness, serious eye conditions, photo-sensitizing medication)
- Factors affecting stable sleep schedule (e.g., shift work, severe sleep disorders, extreme sleep patterns)
- Severe medical illness, neurological disorders, or history of head trauma
- Current pregnancy or nursing
- MRI contraindications such as metal in the body, recent tattoos, or claustrophobia
- Positive alcohol or substance use screen at MRI visit
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo exposure to blue and red light in a randomized crossover design while brain activity is measured during MRI scans.
1 lab visit with MRI scan including blue and red light exposures
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Adriane M Soehner, PhD
A
Allison Caswell, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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