Dynamic LED-light versus static LED-light for depressed inpatients: study protocol for a randomised clinical study.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Chronobiology
• Lighting Technology

Background:

• Retrospective studies suggest daylight intensity in patient rooms correlates with reduced hospital stay, indicating antidepressant effects.
• Light therapy, particularly from light boxes, shows promise for treating depression.
• Advancements in light-emitting diode (LED) technology enable dynamic mimicry of natural daylight patterns within indoor environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antidepressant efficacy of a novel dynamic LED lighting system in a psychiatric inpatient setting.
• To compare the effects of dynamic versus static LED lighting as adjunctive treatments for major depressive episodes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 150 inpatients diagnosed with a major depressive episode (major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder).
• Two-arm study (1:1 ratio) comparing dynamic LED lighting versus static LED lighting, both as add-on therapies.
• Primary outcome: change in the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-6) score at week 3. Secondary outcomes include changes in suicidal ideation, HDRS-17, and WHOQOL-BREF scores.

Main Results:

• The study is registered (NCT03821506) and ongoing, with pre-results available.
• Spectral distribution of LED light, focusing on intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, will be measured.
• Blinded assessment of HDRS scores and data analysis will ensure objective evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The findings are expected to provide evidence on the clinical utility of dynamic LED lighting for treating depression in inpatients.
• Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• This research may lead to the integration of advanced lighting solutions in psychiatric care.