NCT07490782NARecruiting

Nutritional Intervention for College Students With Depression

University of California, San Diego

Start Date

3/1/2026

Completion Date

2/1/2028

Summary

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 Criteria

Age Range: 18 years to No maximum

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mediterranean Diet

BEHAVIORAL

Time-Restricted Eating

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Conditions

Depression - Major Depressive Disorder

Locations

University of California San Diego

La Jolla, California 92093

United States