Overview
The goal of this neuroimaging pilot study is to understand developmental differences in the impact of therapeutic wavelength light (blue light) versus a non-therapeutic wavelength (red light) on emotional brain function in depression. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
- Does acute exposure to blue light (vs red light) stabilize emotional brain function in depressed individuals?
- Are stabilizing effects of blue light (vs red light) stronger for blue light in adolescents than young adults?
Participants will complete:
- A magnetic resonance imaging brain scan, in which we will examine the effect of blue versus red light on emotional brain function at rest and in response to rewards and losses.
- A pupillometry test of sensitivity to blue vs red light
- Clinical interviews and surveys
- Screening measures for drug and alcohol use, MRI safety, and current pregnancy \[if relevant\]
- Home sleep tracking with sleep diary and actigraphy for one week
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Elevated Depressive Symptoms \[PHQ9≥5 And (Item 1≥1 or Item 2≥1)\]
- (If \<18yr) Parent or guardian can attend the baseline clinical interview
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unable to read and write in English
- Intellectual disability.
- Left or mixed handedness
- Changes to psychotropic medication type or dosage in the past 2 months
- Lifetime bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or substance/alcohol disorder in the past 3 months.
- Factors influencing light and color sensitivity (i.e., color-blindness, serious ophthalmological conditions, photo-sensitizing medication).
- Factors influencing the ability to maintain a stable sleep schedule (i.e., shift work, severe sleep disorders, extremely late or early sleep schedule).
- Severe medical illness, neurological disorders, or history of head trauma.
- Current pregnancy or nursing
- MRI contraindication (e.g., metals in the body, recent tattoo, claustrophobia)
- Positive alcohol or substance use screen at MRI visit
