Light on the forehead: a new hope for depression?
NCT ID NCT05573074
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether shining near-infrared light on the forehead can change blood flow in the brains of people with major depression. Researchers will measure brain activity using fMRI and track mood changes with a standard depression questionnaire. The goal is to see if this simple, non-invasive device could offer a new way to ease depression symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Transcranial photobiomodulator (near-infrared light device)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive, drug-free way to improve depression by boosting blood flow in the brain.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with only 120 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The light treatment may not change blood flow or symptoms as hoped.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Harvard Medical School
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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NYU Langone Health
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10016, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact
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Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
RECRUITINGOrangeburg, New York, 10962, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact