Light therapy for depression in unipolar and bipolar disorder
Part of Mental health clinical trials.
This study tests how well light therapy works for moderate to severe depression in people with or without bipolar disorder. It includes a possible MRI brain scan to understand how light affects the brain. You must not have certain eye conditions or high suicide risk.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 18 and 65 years old
- You have moderate to severe depression (major depressive episode), either alone or with bipolar disorder
- If you have bipolar disorder type 1, you must be on a stable mood stabilizer (like lithium, valproate, or certain antipsychotics) for at least 4 weeks
- You are not at high risk for suicide (no active suicidal thoughts or plans)
- You do not have serious eye conditions (like glaucoma, cataracts, or retina disease) or epilepsy triggered by light
- You have not used light therapy in the past month, and you are not currently taking other new antidepressants or mood stabilizers started within the last month
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial tests whether a special light you can use at home can help treat major depression. It's a 60Hz light that you turn on and off repeatedly. If you're 24–65, have depression, and take a stable antidepressant, you may be able to participate.
This trial tests whether giving light therapy at a specific time of day can improve both depression and sleep problems. It is for adults with major depression and insomnia who are not currently on antidepressants.
This trial tests a special light device (called transcranial photobiomodulation) to see if it can safely improve depression in people with bipolar disorder. It is non-invasive and involves wearing a headset that shines near-infrared light on the scalp.
This trial studies whether daily bright light therapy can reduce depressive symptoms. It’s for adults with depression (including some with bipolar depression), and you would fill out questionnaires and be screened for safety.
This study tests whether a “light and ion” treatment can help people with major depression (MDD) who are doing well on antidepressants safely reduce or stop them. You must be in remission and be willing to discontinue for reasons like side effects or personal preference.
This study tests whether a special light treatment applied to the scalp (transcranial photobiomodulation) can help people with depression who aren't getting better with antidepressants alone. The light therapy is added to your current medication to see if it reduces both mood symptoms and physical complaints like pain or fatigue.
Hear when a new Major Depressive Episode trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.