Clinical Trial: Transcranial Bright Light Therapy in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Transcranial Bright Light Therapy in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- a Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

Brief Summary: Bright light therapy (BLT) has been found to be effective in treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The mechanism of action of conventional BLT in the treatment of SAD is under debate. Recently, transcranial bright light (TBL) via ear canals has been proved to modulate the neural networks of the human brain and improve cognitive performance in healthy subjects. Moreover, TBL has been found to alleviate symptoms of SAD in open trial. In this case the investigators will study the effect of transcranial bright light treatment via ear canals on depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from SAD in randomized controlled double-blind study design.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: University of Oulu

Current Primary Outcome: Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - Seasonal Affective Disorder Version Self Rating Version, total score ≤9 [ Time Frame: At the end of the four week study period ]

Remission, i.e., Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - Seasonal Affective Disorder Version Self Rating Version total score ≤ 9


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Beck Depression Inventory-II, total score <=10 [ Time Frame: At the end of the four week study period ]
    Remission, i.e.,Beck Depression Inventory-II, total score <=10
  • State Trait Anxiety Inventory -Y2, total score [ Time Frame: At the end of the four week study period ]
  • Trail- making test (TMT-A and TMT-B),total time [ Time Frame: At the end of the four weeks study period ]


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Oulu

Dates:
Date Received: February 4, 2013
Date Started: January 2013
Date Completion:
Last Updated: June 27, 2013
Last Verified: June 2013