NCT05712772NARecruiting

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

University of Pittsburgh

Start Date

6/14/2023

Completion Date

7/31/2026

Summary

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

Eligibility Criteria

Age Range: 12 years to 30 years

Inclusion Criteria: * Elevated Depressive Symptoms \[PHQ9≥5 And (Item 1≥1 or Item 2≥1)\] * (If \<18yr) Parent or guardian can attend the baseline clinical interview Exclusion Criteria: * 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. * Factors influencing light and color sensitivity (i.e., color-blindness, serious ophthalmological conditions, photo-sensitizing medication). * Factors influencing the ability to maintain a stable sleep schedule (i.e., shift work, severe sleep disorders, extremely late or early sleep schedule). * Severe medical illness, neurological disorders, or history of head trauma. * Current pregnancy or nursing * MRI contraindication (e.g., metals in the body, recent tattoo, claustrophobia) * Positive alcohol or substance use screen at MRI visit

Interventions

OTHER

Blue Light

OTHER

Red Light

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Conditions

Depression in AdolescenceDepression in Adults

Locations

Western Psychiatric Hospital

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

United States