Pilot Study to Test Feasibility of Time Restricted Eating Compared to Nutritional Counselling for Adults With Bipolar Depression

What this Trial Is About

Bipolar disorders BD affect mood, behavior, and thinking, causing significant challenges. This research investigates how disruptions in the bodys internal clock, or circadian rhythm, relate to BD symptoms like depression and mania. The study aims to explore whether dietary changes, specifically time restricted eating TRE, can improve these symptoms and overall health. This pilot study tests TREs feasibility and acceptability to prepare for a larger trial. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups one receiving nutritional counseling plus usual treatment, and the other receiving the same counseling plus a 10-hour daily eating window TRE for 8 weeks. Both groups will continue their regular medical and psychological treatments without changes. The TRE group will have weekly check-ins to support adherence, and all participants will receive guidance from a registered dietitian. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires about mood, anxiety, sleep, and thinking skills at the start, week 4, and week 8. Blood samples will be collected at the beginning and end to assess inflammation and other health markers. Participants will wear a watch to monitor activity and light exposure continuously. The main focus is on whether people complete and accept the study, with additional measures of mood, sleep quality, cognition, and biological rhythms monitored throughout.

SYNCED - SYNChronized Eating in Bipolar Depression Study