Recruiting
Adjunctive Bright Light Therapy in Adolescents With Depression and Eveningness
This study examines the efficacy of bright light therapy as a treatment for adolescents diagnosed with unipolar non-seasonal depression who exhibit an evening chronotype.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06973759
PhaseNA
Enrollment90
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong
Age12 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Depression, Unipolar
About this study
This study examines the efficacy of bright light therapy as a treatment for adolescents diagnosed with unipolar non-seasonal depression who exhibit an evening chronotype.
Interventions
- Device: Bright light therapy — Exposure to blue-enriched white light for 15-30 minutes a day for 8 weeks
- Device: Dim red light — Exposure to dim red light for 15-30 minutes a day for 8 weeks.
Primary outcomes
- Change of depressive symptoms (Soon after the intervention)
Eligibility information
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Chinese, aged 12-19 years old;
2. Written informed assent/consent of participation into the study is given by the participant and his/her parent or guardian (for those aged under 18), respectively;
3. Having a DSM-5 diagnosis of unipolar non-seasonal depression as confirmed by the Chinese version of the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) psychiatric interview, DSM-5 Seasonal specifier, AND having a score on Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS-R) at least 40;
4. Being classified as evening chronotype according to the score on the reduced Horne-Östberg Morning-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), i.e. \<12.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. A current diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; a current or past history of manic or hypomanic episode, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, organic mental disorders, or intellectual disabilities;
2. Having a clinically significant suicidality (presence of suicidal ideation with a plan or an attempt) as assessed by K-SADS;
3. Having been enrolled in any other clinical trial investigational products within one month at the entry of the study;
4. Initiation of or change in antidepressant medication within past 4 weeks;
5. Having been or is currently receiving any structured psychotherapy;
6. With hearing or speech deficit;
7. Night shift worker;
8. Trans-meridian flight across at least two time zones in the past 3 months and during the study;
9. Presence of an eye disease, e.g., retinal blindness, severe cataract, glaucoma.
Study locations
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077 Hong Kong
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.