A Double-blinded, Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial of 40 Hz Light Neurostimulation Therapy for Patients With Depression
Recent research in mice models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has demonstrated that one hour per day of exposure to 40 Hz flickering light therapy can halt the disease's progression, and improve cognition and memory. Moreover, recent data suggest that 40 Hz light stimulation may induce neuroplasticity and reduce neuroinflammation. In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the antidepressant effects of 40 Hz light stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Patients will be exposed to 40 Hz invisible spectral flickering light (active setting) or continuous non-flickering white light (sham setting) in a home setting for 1 hour each day.
• Subjects between 18 and 75 years of age.
• Subjects with a diagnosis of major depressive episode and currently experiencing a depressive episode according to DSM-5
• Subjects with an MDI score \> 21 at screening
• Subjects on stable medication and/or psychotherapy for at least 4 weeks before starting the trial.
• Subjects, who are willing to comply with the scheduled plan and are able to use the device for 1 hour per day for 6 weeks.
• Subjects who can understand the oral and written study information and willing to sign an informed consent.