Feasibility of Home-Based Intermittent 60Hz Light Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

NCT ID: NCT07111390

Last Updated: 2025-08-26

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

40 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-08-18

Study Completion Date

2026-03-01

Brief Summary

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This pilot study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of home-based 60Hz intermittent light therapy in adults with a major depressive episode (MDE). Participants will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either active or sham 60Hz intermittent light stimulation for 30 minutes daily (Monday through Friday) over three weeks. The light is delivered through a wearable headset. Clinical assessments will be conducted remotely at baseline, mid-point, post-treatment, and follow-up to measure changes in depressive symptoms.

Detailed Description

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This pilot study will evaluate the tolerability, usability, and preliminary impact of a novel wearable device delivering 60Hz intermittent light for treatment of depressive symptoms in adults with MDD. All procedures are conducted remotely.

Conditions

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Depression MDD Major Depressive Disorder Major Depressive Episode

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

QUADRUPLE

Participants Caregivers Investigators Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Active Home-Based Intermittent Light Therapy

Adults with a major depressive episode (MDE) randomized to receive active home-based 60Hz intermittent light therapy, delivered five days per week for three weeks for a total of 15x30-minute daily sessions.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

60Hz Intermittent Light Therapy

Intervention Type DEVICE

Intermittent 60 Hz flickering white light delivered via a wearable headset.

Sham Home-Based Light Therapy

Adults with a major depressive episode (MDE) randomized to receive sham home-based light therapy, delivered five days per week for three weeks for a total of 15x30-minute daily sessions.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham Light Therapy

Intervention Type DEVICE

Constant white light delivered via a wearable headset.

Interventions

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60Hz Intermittent Light Therapy

Intermittent 60 Hz flickering white light delivered via a wearable headset.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham Light Therapy

Constant white light delivered via a wearable headset.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Age between 24 and 65 years (inclusive)\*.
* Confirmed diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), based on MINI interview.
* Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) score ≥17 at screening.
* On a stable dose of antidepressant medication for at least 30 days prior to HDRS-17 screening.
* No evidence of premorbid cognitive impairment, as demonstrated by a standard score \>85 on the WRAT-5 Reading Recognition Subtest.
* Confirmed access to a local provider that has primary responsibility for the subjects' clinical care, and who is available for contact in case of increased subject risk due to depressive symptoms.
* Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.
* Access to a quiet space suitable for home-based light stimulation sessions.
* English speaking: All study materials and assessments are only validated in English

Exclusion Criteria

* Presence of primary neurological or autoimmune disorders.
* Presence of psychiatric comorbidities as determined by the MINI interview (e.g., anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder).
* Current or recent diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder.
* History of bipolar disorder or any psychotic disorder.
* Clinically significant suicidal ideation or behavior, based on clinician judgment and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
* History of seizure disorder or epilepsy.
* History of migraine, tinnitus, or photosensitivity.
* Diagnosis of retinal disease, cataract, or other visual impairments that may interfere with light exposure.
* Regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants (e.g., clopidogrel).
* Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Currently pregnant, planning pregnancy during the study period, or breastfeeding
Minimum Eligible Age

24 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

65 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Syntropic Medical

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

NYU Langone Health

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Giuseppina Pilloni, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

NYU Langone Health

Locations

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NYU Langone Health

New York, New York, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Shayna Pehel

Role: CONTACT

929-455-5104

Giuseppina Pilloni

Role: CONTACT

929-455-5317

Other Identifiers

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25-00522

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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