Primary RQ: 1) Is time spent in daylight associated with better mood in recently remitted depression patients? Secondary RQ*s: 2) Is the association dependent on age, sex, circadian rhythms and chronotype? 3) Is the association dependent on timing…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Recent remission from depressive disorder
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main outcomes are positive and negative affect, operationalized as
momentary positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) based on the circumplex model
of affect. The main determinant is time spent in (day)light, assessed with a
question in the diary in three time intervals per day (morning, afternoon, and
evening), and assessed objectively with the light sensor as time spent in >1000
lux. We will assess which operationalization is the strongest predictor of
affect.
Secondary outcome
General covariables used for every research question are physical activity,
social interactions, exposure to green environments, use of medication and
important events, which will be asked in the diary. Age, sex and education
level, chronotype, depressive symptom severity and presence of sleep
disturbances will be assessed during the baseline interview with
questionnaires. The phase of the circadian pacemaker will be evaluated with dim
light melatonin onset assessment at the end of the 30-day study period. Sleep
will be assessed with actigraphy. For circadian rhythms, we will assess the
interdaily stability, intradaily variability, and relative amplitude.
Background summary
Depression is a serious mental health disorder affecting around 280 million
individuals worldwide. After remission, many individuals continue to face
residual symptoms like mood disturbances and poor sleep, which hinder full
recovery and increase relapse risk. Early mood scores post-remission can
predict future relapse, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to
target these symptoms. One modifiable factor to explore within this context is
daylight exposure. Daylight plays a crucial role in circadian rhythm
regulation, and disruptions in these rhythms are linked to sleep disturbances
and depressive symptoms. While bright light therapy is an effective treatment
for depression, targeting natural light exposure may be equally beneficial and
more cost-effective for enhancing sleep and mood. Prior studies have shown
positive associations between daylight exposure and mood, but research in
psychiatric patients remains scarce. Age, sex, and chronotype may significantly
moderate the relationship between daylight, sleep, and mood, yet very few
studies investigate how these factors interact with daylight exposure. This
study will explore the relationship between daylight exposure, sleep, circadian
rhythms, and mood in recently remitted depression patients, offering a
potential new strategy for relapse prevention.
Study objective
Primary RQ:
1) Is time spent in daylight associated with better mood in recently remitted
depression patients?
Secondary RQ*s:
2) Is the association dependent on age, sex, circadian rhythms and chronotype?
3) Is the association dependent on timing of the light exposure?
Study design
This is a single case observational study with innovative single-subject
analyses, where each subject is analysed separately. After the baseline
assessment, participants will fill in a diary three times a day and wear an
Actiwatch and light sensor for 30 days in a row. At the end of the study,
participants will collect saliva samples for melatonin assessment.
Study burden and risks
Potential burdens include three visits either at the UMCG or at the
participant's home, filling out a diary for 30 days 3 times a day, wearing
continuously an actiwatch on the wrist and a light sensor around the neck
during wake-period, and one evening taking 7 hourly saliva samples for
melatonin assessment.
Hanzeplein 1
Groningen 9713 GZ
NL
Hanzeplein 1
Groningen 9713 GZ
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
1) A past year diagnosis of a unipolar major depressive disorder according to
DSM-5 criteria,
2) Full or partial remission, i.e. not meeting the DSM-5 criteria for a
depressive episode within the past two months,
3) Age 20 years or older.
Exclusion criteria
1) Eye conditions affecting light transmittance to the retina,
2) An established or suspected diagnosis of a major neurocognitive disorder,
3) A severe mental illness, defined as a bipolar or primary psychotic disorder
or a severe
substance-use disorder in need of treatment,
4) Seasonal affective disorder,
5) Not able to fill out self-report questionnaires,
6) Shift work.
7) Regular usage of melatonin, within 3 weeks prior to the start of the
measuring period.
8) Receiving light treatment
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL88042.042.24 |