TerminatedPhase 2/3

Light Therapy for Elderly Depression

Stopped: End of research time, time-resources

Netherlands89 participantsStarted 2003-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the following two hypotheses: 1. Treatment with bright light improves their sleep, mood, concentration and self-sufficiency of elderly depressed subjects. This clinical improvement is accompanied by decreases in cortisol/DHEA ratio and increases in melatonin concentration in urine and saliva. 2. The eventual beneficial effect of bright light treatment can be predicted by the presence of sleep-wake rhythm disturbances as found using muscle activity registration, and by cortisol/DHEA and melatonin concentrations in saliva and urine over the day and the night.

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Understanding and speaking Dutch language * 60 years of age or older * Presence of a Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM-IV (SCID-based) * When under treatment of an ophthalmologist, his / her approval for participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Progressive eye diseases, glaucoma or cataract for which an operation is scheduled in near future, aphakia, retinopathies like maculopathy, retinitis pigmentosa or ablatio retina. * Physical problems or disorders which require specific medical treatment like Lupus, untreated diabetes, malignancies, organic brain disorders, chronic infections, thyroid disorders not adequately treated, thyroid associated ophthalmopathies, M. Parkinson. * Presence of any concurrent substance abuse problem * Presence of other actual axis-I disorders like bipolar disorder, dementias, delirium, all psychotic disorders, Posttraumatic stress disorder. * Use of tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs. * Use of corticosteroids. * Use of tetracyclic antibiotics. * Treatment with antidepressants shorter than 2 months * Use of oral contraceptives. * Treatment with light therapy in the past.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HADRS-17)

Timeframe: at T0, T1 and T2

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00332670

SponsorGGZ Buitenamstel

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2007-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Major Depressive Disorder trials