Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, in Remission study: Negative ion therapy vs Light therapy
Official title Light and Ion Maintenance In Treatment for Depression (LIMIT-D): Feasibility Study
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05423275
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- This study checks if light therapy or negative ion therapy can replace antidepressants to prevent depression from coming back. It is a small test to see if people can use these devices correctly before a larger study.
- Who it's for
- People with a history of major depression who are currently feeling better while taking antidepressants.
- What's involved
- Participants will use a light box or a negative ion device at home while slowly lowering their antidepressant dose. Half of the devices will be turned off to compare results.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts 28 weeks and requires regular check-ins to monitor for any return of depression symptoms.
- Time commitment: about 28 weeks
Which group you join is decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 19 to 65
You may be able to join if
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria for MDD, as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID).
- Taking a first-line antidepressant at approved doses (Table 1), with dose unchanged in the past month.
- Participant desire to discontinue antidepressant treatment because of adverse effects or other reasons;
- In remission as defined by score ≤10 on the clinician-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at both the screening visit and...
- Willing and able to complete self-report and online assessments including sufficient fluency in English or French.
You likely can't join if
- Any psychiatric diagnosis other than MDD that is considered the primary diagnosis, including Bipolar I or Bipolar-II (lifetime).
- Diagnosis of MDD with seasonal pattern (i.e., seasonal affective disorder, SAD) or with psychotic features (lifetime).
- Significant personality disorder diagnosis [e.g., antisocial] by MINI and clinical assessment.
- High suicidal risk, defined by clinician judgment.
- History of alcohol or substance use disorder, with a severity of at least moderate or severe, within 6 months before screening.
- Significant neurological disorders, head trauma, or other unstable medical conditions.
See the full eligibility criteria
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria for MDD, as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID).
- Taking a first-line antidepressant at approved doses (Table 1), with dose unchanged in the past month.
- Participant desire to discontinue antidepressant treatment because of adverse effects or other reasons;
- In remission as defined by score ≤10 on the clinician-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at both the screening visit and baseline visit, at least 2 weeks apart.
- Willing and able to complete self-report and online assessments including sufficient fluency in English or French.
- Any psychiatric diagnosis other than MDD that is considered the primary diagnosis, including Bipolar I or Bipolar-II (lifetime).
- Diagnosis of MDD with seasonal pattern (i.e., seasonal affective disorder, SAD) or with psychotic features (lifetime).
- Significant personality disorder diagnosis [e.g., antisocial] by MINI and clinical assessment.
- High suicidal risk, defined by clinician judgment.
- History of alcohol or substance use disorder, with a severity of at least moderate or severe, within 6 months before screening.
- Significant neurological disorders, head trauma, or other unstable medical conditions.
- Regular use of psychotropic medication other than an antidepressant or benzodiazepines (e.g., antipsychotics, mood stabilizers)
- History of severe antidepressant discontinuation effects.
- Retinal disease or other eye condition (e.g., macular degeneration) precluding the use of bright light treatment.
- Use of photosensitizing medication (thioridazine, chloroquine, 8-methoxypsoralen) within 1 week of baseline visit.
- Initiated formal psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy) within 3 months of Visit 1, or who plan to initiate psychotherapy during the study.
- Continued use of any other evidence-based treatment for depression.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The study runs about 28 weeks per participant, based on its public description. The team confirms the exact schedule and number of visits before you enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 19 years to 65 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.