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
163 weeks
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
The goal of this neuroimaging pilot study is to understand developmental differences in the impact of therapeutic wavelength light (blue light) versus a non-therapeutic wavelength (red light) on emotional brain function in depression. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does acute exposure to blue light (vs red light) stabilize emotional brain function in depressed individuals? * Are stabilizing effects of blue light (vs red light) stronger for blue light in adolescents than young adults? Participants will complete: * A magnetic resonance imaging brain scan, in which we will examine the effect of blue versus red light on emotional brain function at rest and in response to rewards and losses. * A pupillometry test of sensitivity to blue vs red light * Clinical interviews and surveys * Screening measures for drug and alcohol use, MRI safety, and current pregnancy \[if relevant\] * Home sleep tracking with sleep diary and actigraphy for one week
CONDITIONS
Official 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 5 or higher and at least 1 on item 1 or item 2
- If under 18 years old, a parent or guardian can attend the baseline clinical interview
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to read and write in English
- Intellectual disability
- Left or mixed handedness
- Changes to psychotropic medication type or dosage in the past 2 months
- Lifetime bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or substance/alcohol disorder in the past 3 months
- Conditions affecting light and color sensitivity such as color-blindness, serious eye conditions, or use of photo-sensitizing medication
- Factors affecting stable sleep schedule such as shift work, severe sleep disorders, or very late or early sleep patterns
- Severe medical illness, neurological disorders, or history of head trauma
- Current pregnancy or nursing
- MRI contraindications like metals 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
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Western Psychiatric Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Adriane M Soehner, PhD
CONTACT
A
Allison Caswell, BS
CONTACT
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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