Light on the forehead: a new hope for depression?

NCT ID NCT05573074

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: NYU Langone Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Harvard Medical School
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
NYU Langone Health
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10016, United States
Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
RECRUITING

Orangeburg, New York, 10962, United States

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