Can a special light boost brainpower in depression?
NCT ID NCT07508215
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This study tests whether a specially designed bright light can improve cognitive problems like memory and attention in people with major depressive disorder. 120 adults with depression and cognitive issues will receive either the bright light or a dim red placebo light for four weeks. Researchers will also use brain scans to see how the light affects brain circuits linked to thinking.
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 (spectrally optimized light)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help with the thinking and memory problems that often come with depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early study with only 120 people, and the light might not work better than a placebo. The results may not apply to everyone with depression.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Peking University Sixth Hospital
RECRUITINGBeijing, Beijing Municipality, 100191, China
-
Yan'an Third People's Hospital
RECRUITINGYanan, Shanxi, China
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