* Meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode (first-episode or recurrent) , confirmed by two experienced, independent psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-Kid);
* Aged 13-17 years ;
* Medication-naïve or on a stable pharmacological regimen for ≥1 week prior to enrollment;
* Baseline Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) score ≥14;
* Minimum of 5 years of formal education, with the ability to complete clinical assessments and comprehend study-related information;
* Voluntary participation with written informed consent provided by both participants and their legal guardians.
* Aged 13-17 years and right-handed;
* Minimum of 5 years of formal education, with the ability to complete clinical assessments and comprehend study-related information;
* Voluntary participation with written informed consent provided by both participants and their legal guardians.
You may not be if
* Current or past diagnosis of psychiatric disorders other than anxiety or sleep disorders;
* History of substance abuse or dependence history (including alcohol, nicotine, or illicit drugs);
* Baseline Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score ≥6;
* Received or planned to initiate non-pharmacological systemic interventions within 6 months prior to enrollment or within 1 month after enrollment, including but not limited to: structured psychotherapy (≥1 session/month for \>6 months), physical therapy (e.g., modified electroconvulsive therapy \[MECT\], repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation \[rTMS\], transcranial direct current stimulation \[tDCS\], or deep brain stimulation \[DBS\]), or exercise therapy ;
* Clinician-assessed suicide risk or a HAMD-17 item 3 score ≥3 at the baseline;
* Presence of severe systemic or neurological conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, thyroid disorders, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, or epilepsy;
* Severe retinal pathologies (e.g., retinal detachment, optic atrophy, macular degeneration); or having high myopia (spherical equivalent ≤ -6.00 diopters);
* Current use of photosensitizing agents or medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, hypericum extract);
* Any other condition deemed inappropriate by the investigators(e.g., cases involving severe sleep phase delays that make morning therapy impossible, or unrecorded photosensitivity).
* Current or lifetime diagnosis of any psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders) or history of substance/drug abuse or dependence;
* First-degree family history of psychiatric disorders;
* Presence of severe systemic or neurological disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, thyroid disorders, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, or epilepsy;
* Any other condition deemed inappropriate by the investigators.
Clareo Health | Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Applicability of Home-based Bright Light Therapy in Outpatient Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder
