NCT05712772 · University of Pittsburgh
Neuro-affective Response to Light in Depressed Adolescents and Young Adults
What this study 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.
View original scientific description
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.
Interventions
OTHER
Blue Light
Blue light exposure
OTHER
Red Light
Red light exposure
Primary outcome measures
Amygdala cerebral blood flow during Blue vs Red light exposure
Time frame: Collected during the blue and red light exposures during the MRI scan at the lab visit
Cerebral blood flow will be assessed using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling collected during blue and red light exposures. Regional cerebral blood flow in the amygdala region of interest will be examined.
Ventral Striatum cerebral blood flow during Blue vs Red light exposure
Time frame: Collected during the blue and red light exposures during the MRI scan at the lab visit
Cerebral blood flow will be assessed using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling collected during blue and red light exposures. Regional cerebral blood flow in the ventral striatum region of interest will be examined.
Amygdala activity (loss>neutral) during Blue vs Red light exposure
Time frame: Collected during the blue and red light exposures during the MRI scan at the lab visit
This outcome will be measured during the an auditory probabilistic reward task, which is a computerized fMRI behavioral task. Activation is defined by blood oxygen dependent signal within an amygdala region of interest on loss versus neutral (no win/no loss) trials.
Ventral Striatum activity (punish>neutral) during Blue vs Red light exposure
Time frame: Collected during the blue and red light exposures during the MRI scan at the lab visit
This outcome will be measured during the an auditory probabilistic reward task, which is a computerized fMRI behavioral task. Activation is defined by blood oxygen dependent signal within a ventral striatum region of interest on win versus neutral (no win/no loss) trials.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 11, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations