Can a bright lamp lift teen depression? new study tests home light therapy

NCT ID NCT06913309

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Peking University Sixth Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether using a bright light device at home for 40 minutes each morning can help teens aged 13-17 with major depression. Participants are split into three groups: high-intensity light, medium-intensity light, or a dim red light placebo. The goal is to see if light therapy safely reduces depressive symptoms and improves sleep, thinking, and mood over four weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: bright light therapy (device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, non-drug option to ease depression symptoms in teens, possibly improving mood and daily function.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 168 participants, so results may not apply to all teens. The placebo effect from light exposure could also blur the true benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beijing Huilongguan Hospital
RECRUITING

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 10000, China
Peking University Sixth Hospital
RECRUITING

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 10000, China
Yan'an Third People's Hospital
RECRUITING

Yanan, Shanxi, China

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