Light Therapy: An Exploratory Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Light Therapy: An Exploratory Trial Investigating the Effectiveness and Feasibility of Light Therapy for the Management of Depression in Primary Care.
IRAS ID
131652
Contact name
Jacqueline Walsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The environmental day/night cycle plays a key role in stabilising mood by regulating our internal rhythms. The ‘clock’, located in the brain, is responsible for regulating biological rhythms and our behaviours, such as hormone levels and sleep patterns. This ‘clock’ relies heavily on the ability of the eye to detect and interpret light to synchronise our body processes to day and night. When these rhythms desynchronise with the day/night cycle, patients can experience symptoms of depression. By introducing light therapy (LT), the ‘clock’ receives a cue to resynchronise the biological rhythms, relieving these symptoms.
This study will recruit ≤60 participants, with mild-moderate depression, either through standard GP consultation or advert shared by mental health charities/ support groups to their members. Potential participants will receive a recruitment pack providing study information and mood questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess eligibility.
Consenting eligible volunteers will participant in a six week study. Week 1 and 6, participants will undergo monitored usual care. Weeks 2-5, participants will be randomised to either active bright LT (10,000lux) or control dim red LT (<100lux) used in their home for 30 minutes every morning. Participants will complete mood (PHQ-9; SIGH-SAD) and side effect (SAFTEE) questionnaires weekly. Expectation, quality-of-life (SF-36) and seasonality (SPAQ) questionnaires will be completed at baseline. Participants will wear an Actiwatch, designed to monitor activity/sleep patterns and light exposure, and complete a diary throughout the study. Participants will produce 8 saliva samples before and after intervention. Melatonin and cortisol hormone levels will be analysed to identify individuals most likely to benefit from LT. Follow-up assessments include telephone interview and 6 month postal questionnaire to explore participant experience and opinions of LT.
This study investigates the effectiveness and feasibility of LT for mild-moderate depression in primary care. It will provide evidence to inform a future large-scale randomised controlled trial.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0418
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion