Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light in Adolescents With Elevated Depression (TranS-C+BL)

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · May 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial titled "Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention + Bright Light in Adolescents With Elevated Depression" is investigating a new way to help teenagers who are struggling with depression and sleep problems, particularly focusing on those at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is important because suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and Black youth face even greater risks. The study aims to see if improving sleep can help reduce these risks and provide a tailored approach for adolescents.

To participate, teens aged 12 to 18 with moderate to severe depression and significant sleep disturbances may be eligible. Participants will receive support from a Sleep Therapist through telehealth sessions and will use a special watch to track their sleep. They will also keep a daily sleep diary and wear bright light glasses in the morning and blue light-blocking glasses in the evening to help regulate their sleep patterns. This innovative approach not only focuses on improving sleep but also provides personalized feedback based on their sleep data. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, this trial could offer a new way to support mental health through better sleep.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adolescents (12-18)
• • Current moderate to severe depression as measured by the PHQ-9M with a total score of greater than or equal to 11
• • Current clinically significant sleep disturbance measured by the PHQ-9-M sleep item greater than or equal to 2.
• • English language fluency and literacy sufficient to engage in study protocol.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Evidence of obstructive sleep apnea,
• • Evidence of restless legs syndrome
• • Evidence of psychosis
• • Evidence of bipolar disorder
• • Evidence of a developmental disability precluding comprehension of study procedures per electronic health record and eligibility screening.