Overview
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
Eligibility
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
