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Feasibility of Home-Based Intermittent 60Hz Light Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
A Feasibility Pilot Study of Home-Based Intermittent 60Hz Light Therapy for the Treatment of Depression
Who can join
Ages 24 to 65 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
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
About the study
This pilot study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of home-based 60Hz intermittent light therapy in adults with a major depressive episode (MDE). Participants will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either active or sham 60Hz intermittent light stimulation for 30 minutes daily (Monday through Friday) over three weeks. The light is delivered through a wearable headset. Clinical assessments will be conducted remotely at baseline, mid-point, post-treatment, and follow-up to measure changes in depressive symptoms.
What is being tested
- 60Hz Intermittent Light Therapy (device)
- Sham Light Therapy (device)
Sponsor: NYU Langone Health · Participants: 40 · Started: Aug 18, 2025
Contact the study team
- Shayna Pehel · Phone: 929-455-5104
- Giuseppina Pilloni · Phone: 929-455-5317
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07111390
Locations in the U.S.
| New York | NYU Langone Health, New York |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.