Projects

Blue-blocking glasses as adjunctive treatment for sleep disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry – a pilot trans diagnostic randomized controlled trial (BATCAT) 

(Norwegian title: Blåblokkerende briller som behandling av søvnlidelser hos barn og unge i det psykiske helsevernet - en pilot randomisert kontrollert studie )

There is limited research on non-pharmacological treatment for sleep disorders in adolescents. We aim to conduct a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) using blue-blocking glasses as a treatment for adolescents aged 12-18 with insomnia or delayed sleep phase, who are receiving treatment at Haugesund Hospital BUP or UNN BUPA Tromsø. The study will provide foundational data for larger RCT studies (choosing primary outcome measures for changes in sleep, activity, or circadian rhythm), for power calculation, and for developing the best protocol and procedure. The pilot study is divided into two parts, with participants from inpatient care (planned admissions) and outpatient care randomized to receive blue-blocking glasses from 9 PM until bedtime/in a dark room or to a control group. Both groups receive advice on night mode settings on screens and regular treatment. Instruments for measuring effects include a sleep diary, an anxiety questionnaire, a multisensor wristband (light, movement, temperature, pulse), and measurement of melatonin in morning urine. Recruitment, user satisfaction, and side effects will provide information on feasibility. In preparation for the study, light conditions are measured in both departments using wall-mounted light meters in various patient rooms throughout the year. These measurements form the basis for standardizing window shading before collecting patient data and also provide unique data on lighting conditions in the relevant hospital departments.

Principal investigator (PI): Tone Elise Gjøtterud Henriksen, Helse Fonna.

Regional PI: Christian Eckhoff

Questions can be directed to Christian Eckhoff

ADHD and OMEGA-3: Can omega-3 help with symptoms of ADHD and ADD?

"ADHD Omega-3" is a research project to investigate the effect of omega-3 oil on concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children and adolescents with ADHD and ADD.

What does the study involve?

Omega-3 oil is essential for our brain, but we don't know much about its significance for ADHD or ADD. Some doctors want to find out if omega-3 oil can help improve concentration and reduce restlessness in children with ADHD or ADD. The project is for children between 6 and 16 years old. If your parents decide that you should participate in the study, you will receive omega-3 capsules to take every day for six months.

Half of the children receive omega-3, and the other half receive "placebo capsules." At the end of the project, you can find out what you received. We will take extra care of you, so you and your parents will come to see us twice within a year. This means you will be away from school for a total of four days for the research project assessments.

Here at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, we will ask you and your parents some questions and conduct some tests. For example, you will provide a urine sample and a blood sample. If you want, you can have a patch with numbing cream on your arm. We will measure your height and weight. Your parents can always be with you when you are here.

We will also send some questions home to your parents for them to answer on a computer. Your teacher will do the same.

A research nurse will be the contact person. If you have to travel to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic where the research takes place, patient travel will cover travel and necessary accommodation. Travel, accommodation, and meal allowances for you and one parent are covered according to the applicable rates in the Patient Travel Regulations. If you are under 16 years old, there is no deductible. Note that travel is with the cheapest alternative.

Inquiries related to the study in general can be directed to phone number 906 45 795 or by e-mail.

Principal investigator (PI): Judeson Joseph, Judeson.Joseph@unn.no, Telefon 777 55 705