Could a special light lift depression? new trial tests 40 hz therapy

NCT ID NCT05680220

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a device that shines 40 Hz flickering light can help reduce depression symptoms. Sixty adults with major depression will use the device at home for one hour each day over six weeks. Half will get the active flickering light, and half will get a sham light that does not flicker. The goal is to see if this light therapy can safely improve mood.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Mental Health Centre Copenhagen

    RECRUITING

    Copenhagen, Denmark, 2100, Denmark

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

40 Hz flickering light neurostimulation device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug option to help ease depression symptoms at home.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 people. The light therapy may not work better than a placebo, and results may not apply to everyone with depression.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.