Light therapy for adolescents with depression and eveningness – a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Depression in adolescents is a major public health concern associated with impaired functioning and an elevated risk of suicide. A significant portion of affected adolescents do not respond well to current treatments, highlighting the need for alternative options. Circadian rhythm disruption, particularly the evening chronotype, has gained increasing research interest for its association with depression and a range of negative outcomes. Light treatment presents a potential intervention for reducing eveningness, thereby alleviating depressive and related symptoms.
We aim to evaluate the efficacy of two light therapy regimens in reducing depressive symptoms and improving outcomes among adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and evening chronotype, by conducting a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
This study aims to recruit adolescents aged 12–19 years old with unipolar non-seasonal depression and evening chronotype. We welcome self-referrals and has also received approval from the Prince of Wales Hospital, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Shatin Hospital to recruit participants.
• Non-pharmacological Light Therapy,
• Clinical Interviews and Questionnaires,
• Sleep Diary and Actiwatch,
• Pupillometry,
• Saliva samples collection.
Subjects will be randomized to receive eight-week light therapy (either bright light therapy or dim red light therapy). The therapy will be conducted at home for 15-30 minutes daily. Follow-up visits will be conducted at baseline, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th week, as well as 1st and 3rd month post-intervention. Each participant would receive up to HKD$1400 as travel allowance if they completed all study visits.
Welcome to complete this questionnaire.
We would like to get a preliminary understanding of whether you’re suitable to join this study.
Completing the entire questionnaire will take about 1–3 minutes.
All information will be kept confidential.
