Nutritional Intervention for College Students With Depression

Purpose

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the feasibility of nutritional interventions in college students with depression. The main outcomes it aims to measure are: - Nutritional content, meal timing, and sleep patterns in college students with depression - Feasibility of nutritional interventions (Mediterranean Diet and Time-Restricted Eating + Mediterranean Diet) in college students with depression Researchers will compare two groups - Mediterranean Diet (Med-Diet) and Time-Restricted Eating + Mediterranean Diet (TRE + Med-Diet) - to assess adherence to the dietary interventions and overall feasibility of the study procedures. Participants will: - Complete a 2-week baseline logging diet, sleep, activity, and mood - Be randomized to Mediterranean Diet (Med-Diet) or Time-Restricted Eating + Med-Diet (TRE + Med-Diet) - Participate in dietary counseling with a registered dietitian during the 8-week intervention - Continue to log diet, wear an actigraphy device, and complete mood, sleep, and diet assessments throughout the intervention

Condition

  • Depression - Major Depressive Disorder

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age ≥ 18 years and enrolled as a college student - Symptoms of mild to moderate depression - Receiving treatment for depression or willing to receive treatment during study participation - Generally in good physical health - On a stable dose of any medication affecting weight, metabolism, or mental health

Exclusion Criteria

  • Elevated risk for suicide - Inability to participate safely, as determined by the study physician - Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder - Current eating disorder (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa, binge eating) - Current alcohol or substance use disorder - Shift work outside of class schedule in the past 30 days - Pregnancy or lactation - Treatment with an investigational drug for depression or participation in another study requiring modification of diet

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Mediterranean Diet
  • Behavioral: Mediterranean Diet
    Participants will receive ongoing dietary counseling, nutritional resources, and practical tips to support adoption of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern emphasizing healthy fats (e.g., olive oil), whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, while limiting red meat and dairy products throughout the intervention period.
  • Behavioral: Time-Restricted Eating
    Participants will receive guidance to restrict daily food intake to a consistent 10-hour eating window.
Experimental
Time-Restricted Eating + Mediterranean Diet
  • Behavioral: Mediterranean Diet
    Participants will receive ongoing dietary counseling, nutritional resources, and practical tips to support adoption of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern emphasizing healthy fats (e.g., olive oil), whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, while limiting red meat and dairy products throughout the intervention period.
  • Behavioral: Time-Restricted Eating
    Participants will receive guidance to restrict daily food intake to a consistent 10-hour eating window.

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of California, San Diego

Study Contact

Michael J McCarthy
858-534-8070
mmccarthy@health.ucsd.edu

If you are in crisis please dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Please note: ADAA is not a direct service organization. ADAA does not provide psychiatric, psychological, or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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