Could a flickering light headset lift depression?
NCT ID NCT07111390
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether wearing a headset that delivers a flickering 60Hz white light for 30 minutes a day can help ease depression symptoms. Adults with major depressive disorder will use the device at home for three weeks. Researchers will measure how well people stick with the treatment and whether their mood improves.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 60Hz intermittent light therapy via wearable headset
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a convenient, non-drug option for managing depression at home.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage pilot study, so results may not confirm effectiveness. The therapy may cause discomfort or side effects like eye strain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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24 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 24 and 65 years (inclusive)\*. * Confirmed diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), based on MINI interview. * Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) score ≥17 at screening. * On a stable dose of antidepressant medication for at least 30 days prior to HDRS-17 screening. * No evidence of premorbid cognitive impairment, as demonstrated by a standard score \>85 on the WRAT-5 Reading Recognition Subtest. * Confirmed access to a local provider that has primary responsibility for the subjects' clinical care, and who is available for contact in case of increased subject risk due to depressive symptoms. * Able to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures. * Access to a quiet space suitable for home-based light stimulation sessions. * English speaking: All study materials and assessments are only validated in English Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of primary neurological or autoimmune disorders. * Presence of psychiatric comorbidities as determined by the MINI interview (e.g., anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder). * Current or recent diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder. * History of bipolar disorder or any psychotic disorder. * Clinically significant suicidal ideation or behavior, based on clinician judgment and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). * History of seizure disorder or epilepsy. * History of migraine, tinnitus, or photosensitivity. * Diagnosis of retinal disease, cataract, or other visual impairments that may interfere with light exposure. * Regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants (e.g., clopidogrel). * Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Currently pregnant, planning pregnancy during the study period, or breastfeeding
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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NYU Langone Health
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10017, United States
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