Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Purpose: Unipolar depression has a serious negative impact on a person’s quality of life and is associated with increased risk of suicide. Although evidence-based treatments for the management of depression exist, social stigma, misperceptions of effectiveness in self-sustained management, and side effects to antidepressant medication all pose treatment barriers. My objective is to evaluate the mental and emotional effects of an alternative treatment option that works around these barriers, called Triple Chronotherapy (TCT), which simultaneously employs a therapeutic manipulation of sleep-wake cycles and bright light therapy.
Methods: Individuals with moderate to severe unipolar depression who have resided in Montana their entire adult life will be included in this prospective cohort study. Prior to beginning the TCT intervention, participants will be evaluated by their levels of depression and positive circuit stimulation in brain activity. These measurements will persist through duration and follow up of treatment and be compared to levels at onset. Additionally, a sample of control participants within the same population receiving standard care will be compared to the intervention group at subsequent time periods.
Originality: Preliminary research has concluded TCT to be a safe and feasible adjunctive treatment in managing depression and suicidality with no disconcerting side effects, contrary to most medication. In traditional practice, antidepressant medication may take months to produce a sustained effect, if any at all. TCT is administered over a five day period and shows promise to produce a rapid response in a fraction of that time. Exploring the neurological components linked to depression will aid in the universal understanding of treatment towards specific mental illnesses, an area that receives substantially less research attention than all other leading causes of mortality.
Significance: Rates of suicide have steadily increased over the past twenty years in the United States. These increases are greatest in states with already higher rates, namely Montana, a state with one of the highest rates of suicide. Due to its elevated, vast, rural geographic setting and the inability to control for long, dark winters, Montana is susceptible to countless overlapping mental health issues. This research may provide an alternative approach to better address underlying health issues in these populations. As a whole, TCT may be instrumental in reducing many of the stigmatized characteristics around mental illness and revolutionize more effective treatments of depression for future generations.
Mentor Name
James Caringi
Adjunctive Triple Chronotherapy in the Acute Treatment of Depression and Suicidality
UC South Ballroom
Purpose: Unipolar depression has a serious negative impact on a person’s quality of life and is associated with increased risk of suicide. Although evidence-based treatments for the management of depression exist, social stigma, misperceptions of effectiveness in self-sustained management, and side effects to antidepressant medication all pose treatment barriers. My objective is to evaluate the mental and emotional effects of an alternative treatment option that works around these barriers, called Triple Chronotherapy (TCT), which simultaneously employs a therapeutic manipulation of sleep-wake cycles and bright light therapy.
Methods: Individuals with moderate to severe unipolar depression who have resided in Montana their entire adult life will be included in this prospective cohort study. Prior to beginning the TCT intervention, participants will be evaluated by their levels of depression and positive circuit stimulation in brain activity. These measurements will persist through duration and follow up of treatment and be compared to levels at onset. Additionally, a sample of control participants within the same population receiving standard care will be compared to the intervention group at subsequent time periods.
Originality: Preliminary research has concluded TCT to be a safe and feasible adjunctive treatment in managing depression and suicidality with no disconcerting side effects, contrary to most medication. In traditional practice, antidepressant medication may take months to produce a sustained effect, if any at all. TCT is administered over a five day period and shows promise to produce a rapid response in a fraction of that time. Exploring the neurological components linked to depression will aid in the universal understanding of treatment towards specific mental illnesses, an area that receives substantially less research attention than all other leading causes of mortality.
Significance: Rates of suicide have steadily increased over the past twenty years in the United States. These increases are greatest in states with already higher rates, namely Montana, a state with one of the highest rates of suicide. Due to its elevated, vast, rural geographic setting and the inability to control for long, dark winters, Montana is susceptible to countless overlapping mental health issues. This research may provide an alternative approach to better address underlying health issues in these populations. As a whole, TCT may be instrumental in reducing many of the stigmatized characteristics around mental illness and revolutionize more effective treatments of depression for future generations.