Time-restricted Eating vs. Mediterranean Diet as Adjunctive Interventions for Bipolar Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two healthy lifestyle plans on people with bipolar disorder who are already receiving medication treatment. The study aims to understand how acceptable time-restricted eating and the Mediterranean diet are for participants, and to see how these diets influence manic and depressive symptoms as well as quality of life. This is a randomized controlled trial comparing these two dietary approaches as additions to usual medical care for bipolar disorder. Participants will first complete daily tracking of their eating, sleep, and mood for two weeks. Then, they will be randomly assigned to follow either a time-restricted eating plan, which limits food intake to a 10-hour window each day, or a Mediterranean diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and olive oil, for eight weeks. Both groups receive online psychoeducation several times per week and optional coaching sessions. The study includes follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations of their bipolar symptoms, quality of life, and adherence to the assigned diet. Measures include standardized rating scales for mania and depression, sleep patterns, and daily mood variability. Assessments occur at baseline, after the 8-week intervention, and during follow-up visits. Researchers will also monitor how well participants stick to the diets and record any changes in sleep and daily routines. The total participation period extends over a year to evaluate longer-term outcomes.

Healthy Lifestyles for Bipolar Disorder