Clinical Trials of Two Non-drug Treatments for Chronic Depression

Depression Clinical Trial

Official title: Light and Negative Ion Treatment for Chronic Depression

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study investigates the potential efficacy of two nonpharmacologic treatments for nonseasonal depression, bright light exposure or high-density negative air ion exposure. Treatments are self-administered at home by the patient under close clinical supervision.

Clinical Trial Description

Bright light exposure and high-density negative ion exposure have been designed to mimic outdoor environmental conditions and are effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal (winter) depression, but their effectiveness in treating chronic depression has not been explored.

Participants in this 10-week study will have an interview, a complete physical exam, and six one-hour appointments for progress evaluations. They will be randomly assigned to either light or high- or low-dose negative ions. Each treatment must be taken consistently for five weeks at the same time every day, after which treatment is temporarily suspended to determine whether symptoms return. Participants will then have the opportunity to try the alternate active treatment to determine which works best for them. On two occasions, participants will provide saliva samples, used to determine the level of melatonin, a hormone that becomes active at night and indicates whether a person's internal circadian clock is "in sync" with the day-night cycle or is early or late. This diagnostic test for melatonin, which is not yet readily available in medical practice, provides our research participants with unique information that can be used to optimize the timing of future treatment. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Chronic Depression
• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorders
• Disease
• Mood Disorders

• NCT number: NCT00006172
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: New York State Psychiatric Institute
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 2000
• Completion date: February 2004