Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults
Eligible age
12–30 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
See if you qualify for this study
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About this study
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
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
You may qualify if…
- ✓ Elevated Depressive Symptoms \[PHQ9≥5 And (Item 1≥1 or Item 2≥1)\]
- ✓ (If \<18yr) Parent or guardian can attend the baseline clinical interview
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 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.
Where it's recruiting
Pittsburgh
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05712772 · last updated 2025-08-11