Virtual reality vs. light box: which beats seasonal depression?
NCT ID NCT07161570
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a 10-minute daily virtual reality session can improve mood in people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), compared to the standard 30-minute light box therapy. Sixty adults with moderate to severe SAD will use either VR or a light box every day for two weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depressive symptoms and how satisfied participants are with each treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality (VR) intervention
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, engaging option for managing seasonal depression symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 60 people. The VR effect may be no better than light therapy, and results may not apply to everyone with SAD.
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 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
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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18 years and older
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * fluent in English and capable of giving informed consent * 18 or older * resident in the United Kingdom and * able to access internet and attend Anglia Ruskin University's Cambridge campus * must self-identify or have been diagnosed with SAD, with moderate to severe symptoms Exclusion Criteria: * declared suffering from epilepsy (due to the risk that seizures may be triggered by VR use). * currently using photosensitizing medications or have significant retinal pathology, due to potentially detrimental effects of light box use. For other ophthalmologic conditions, consultation with an ophthalmologist will be recommended. * currently receiving active treatment for SAD, including antidepressant medication (less than 3 months), bright light treatment, or psychotherapy (e.g. CBT for seasonal affective disorder).
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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 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.