CompletedPhase 0Other

Exploring the safety and practicality of strobe light therapy for depression

Researchers are exploring if strobe light therapy could be a new treatment for depression. Current treatments, like antidepressants and talking therapies, can have side effects or be hard to access. This study will test if strobe lights, which can create vivid visual experiences, are safe and well-tolerated for people with depression. Many people who experienced a similar public art project called 'Dreamachine' reported feeling better. This early-stage research aims to gather important information to see if this method could lead to an effective, easy-to-use, and affordable new treatment option for depression.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Phase 0

Sponsor

University of Sussex

Enrolment target

Start

05 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2025

Depression

What is this study about?

Depression is a common problem in the UK, affecting over a million people, and numbers are expected to rise. While current treatments like antidepressant medications and talking therapies are helpful for many, they can have downsides. Antidepressants can cause unwanted side effects and take a while to work, and talking therapies can be expensive and difficult to access due to long waiting lists. This means there's a real need for new, effective, and easily available ways to help people with depression.

This study is looking into a different approach: using carefully controlled strobe lights. It might sound unusual, but when you experience strobe lights with your eyes closed, they can create colourful, moving patterns and even strong feelings. These experiences can be similar to those reported with certain psychedelic drugs, though strobe light therapy is not the same thing. An earlier public art project called 'Dreamachine' allowed nearly 40,000 people to safely experience these strobe light effects, and many unprompted reported feeling less depressed or anxious afterward. This study is building on these observations to see if strobe light could be a real treatment.

The main goal of this early study is to check how safe and well-tolerated strobe light therapy is for people experiencing mild to severe depression. Participants will attend several short sessions with different strobe light settings, gradually increasing in 'intensity' to find what feels comfortable and engaging. If this research is successful, it could provide the first steps towards developing a new, non-drug treatment for depression that is easy to use, widely available, and potentially more affordable than some current options.

Key takeaways

This is an early study testing a new method for depression called strobe light therapy.
It aims to see if strobe lights are safe and well-tolerated for people with depression.
The therapy involves short sessions using a special certified stroboscope.
The study could lead to a new, non-drug, and more accessible treatment option.
Participation includes answering questions about your experience after each session.
It's important to check if you have any health conditions that would prevent you from taking part, especially seizure risks.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are currently experiencing mild to severe depression. You will need to be willing to take part in the study sessions.

However, there are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, or have certain health conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, you won't be able to participate. Also, if you have certain eye problems like retinal blindness or glaucoma, or have had a serious head injury, you would not be suitable.

Critically, if bright flashing lights are a concern for you because you are sensitive to them, get frequent migraines, or have risk factors for seizures, this study is not for you. The researchers will ask specific questions during an initial check to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with mild to severe depression?
Are you able to attend the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science?
Do you have any conditions like psychosis, bipolar disorder, or serious eye problems?
Are you pregnant or have a history of substance abuse?
Do you have a history of seizures, frequent migraines, or high sensitivity to bright lights?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science. All the strobe light sessions will use a special, certified device called roXiva RX1. You'll go through 11 short strobe light sessions, each lasting just two minutes. These sessions will gradually increase in 'intensity' in a set order. After each two-minute session, you'll be asked if you had any side effects. If you did, you'll answer more questions about what you experienced and how strong it was. You’ll also share how engaging, pleasant, uncomfortable, or sleepy you felt during each session, using a sliding scale. You’ll have opportunities to share your thoughts and take breaks between sessions. Once all sessions and questionnaires are complete, you'll have a final chat with the researchers, and then your participation will end. The study is expected to run from February to April 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

While there are no direct health benefits offered by taking part in this specific study, your contribution will be very valuable. The information gathered could help shape new and better ways to treat depression in the future. You will be compensated for your time, either with university credits or £10 an hour. There is a small chance that talking about depression and suicidal thoughts, which are part of some questions, might be difficult for some. If you feel this would negatively affect your wellbeing, it is advised not to take part. Researchers will provide mental health support resources, and a psychologist is available if concerns arise about your wellbeing during the study. A primary risk is that flashing lights can, in very rare cases, cause seizures in people who are susceptible, or lead to anxiety, discomfort, or migraines in others. If you are sensitive to bright lights, get frequent migraines, or have any risk factors for seizures, you should not participate.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science
City only
Brighton, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'strobe light therapy'?

It's an experimental treatment using flashing lights to create visual experiences that might help improve mood for people with depression.

Is this like the 'Dreamachine' I might have heard about?

Yes, the idea comes from similar experiences people had with the 'Dreamachine' art project, where many reported feeling better afterwards.

How long will I be in the study?

The study involves 11 short, two-minute strobe light sessions, plus time for questions and breaks. All this will take place in a single visit.

Who is paying for this research?

This study is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), a UK government agency that supports health research.

What if I feel unwell during the study?

You will have opportunities to share how you're feeling, and mental health support resources will be provided. A clinical psychologist is also available if needed.

How to find out more

David Schwartzman

D.Schwartzman@sussex.ac.uk +44 (0)7709918923 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.