Seasonal Depression Study

STUDY BASICS

Do you feel down or depressed during the fall or winter, or have you ever been depressed? Men and women between the ages of 30-65 may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how light from the sun and lamps in our homes and offices affects our moods, energy levels, and sleep. Participation involves six visits over a year. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Seasonal depression (also called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD) is a mood disorder characterized by regularly recurring episodes of major depression in the fall or winter months. Because SAD occurs during a time of year when people are exposed to less light, and because SAD is effectively treated with bright light therapy, researchers think that genes responsible for communicating light information to the brain may play a role in this disorder. The purpose of this research study is to determine how our bodies’ responses to light affect our mood, sleep, and energy levels. Researchers also hope to learn more about depression by studying genes, hormone levels, and other indicators.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Men and women aged 30-65
• History of depression, or “winter blues” (seasonal affective disorder), or experience noticeable changes in mood/energy across the seasons
• Do not regularly work evening or night shifts
• Not diagnosed with diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts
• Not diagnosed with bipolar disorder

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Study participation will vary. All participants will take part in the first visit of the study, and some participants will be invited to return for additional visits (up to six visits total). The first visit (lasting about 2 hours) includes two interviews and multiple questionnaires. Researchers will also ask participants to provide a saliva sample to collect DNA. Additional study visits and activities may include: measuring eye response to light, wearing a wristwatch-like activity monitor, completing sleep diaries, and collecting saliva samples over 6-7 hours during an evening visit to measure hormone levels. Compensation is provided for each visit; the amount per visit varies from $10-$60. For each visit, $5.50 for bus or $8 for parking will also be provided.