40 Hz Light Neurostimulation for Patients With Depression (FELIX)

Recent research in mice models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has demonstrated that one hour per day of exposure to 40 Hz flickering light therapy can halt the disease's progression, and improve cognition and memory. Moreover, recent data suggest that 40 Hz light stimulation may induce neuroplasticity and reduce neuroinflammation.In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the antidepressant effects of 40 Hz light stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Patients will be exposed to 40 Hz invisible spectral flickering light (active setting) or continuous non-flickering white light (sham setting) in a home setting for 1 hour each day.

Inclusion Criteria:Subjects between 18 and 75 years of age.Subjects with a diagnosis of major depressive episode and currently experiencing a depressive episode according to DSM-5Subjects with an MDI score > 21 at screeningSubjects on stable medication and/or psychotherapy for at least 4 weeks before starting the trial.Subjects, who are willing to comply with the scheduled plan and are able to use the device for 1 hour per day for 6 weeks.Subjects who can understand the oral and written study information and willing to sign an informed consent.Exclusion Criteria:Subjects with a history of photosensitive migraines and/or epileptic seizuresSubjects with a known eye disorder that might be sensitive to light treatment.Subjects with a known history of bipolar disorder according to DSM-5 criteriaSubjects with suicidal ideation corresponding to a score of 2 or more on the HAM-D 17 scale item 3 or if the patient or investigator is uncertain of the degree of suicidal riskSubjects with current psychotic symptoms. However, subjects with a prior psychotic depression or subjects with an actual psychotic depression episode that at the time of informed consent no longer fulfills the psychosis criteria are allowed to participate.Subjects with current drug or alcohol dependence based on their medical records or the M.I.N.I. interview.Subjects with a known history of borderline personality disorderSubjects currently enrolled in another investigational treatment study.Subjects with progressive neurodegenerative or neoplastic disease.Subjects who are unable to understand the study procedures or handling of the NSS device.Subjects who are pregnant at the time of inclusion or unsafe contraception in women of fertile age