A Personalized Nutrition Intervention for Adolescent Depression

A Personalized Nutrition Intervention for Adolescent Depression: A Mixed-Methods Pilot

This study is being done to test the feasibility of a personalized nutrition eating plan in adolescents with depression. Evidence suggests that dietary quality may affect an individual's mood. A healthy diet includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, as well as minimally processed whole grains, legumes, and moderate amounts of lean meat, fish, and dairy.

The investigators will examine the feasibility of a personalized nutrition eating plan for children and youth with depression. Previous research has shown that it helps improve depressive symptoms in adults, but it is not clear if the same is true for children and youth.

The proposed 8-week, mixed-methods, single-arm study aims to examine the feasibility of an adjunctive personalized dietary intervention for adolescents with major depressive disorder. The secondary aims are to determine potential barriers and facilitators of implementation and to improve adherence and uptake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of MDD as determined by semi-structured diagnostic interview
• access to the internet and a computer or smart phone
• presence of a parent who is willing to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• adherent to a high-quality diet at baseline
• presence of an eating disorder, as determined by semi-structured diagnostic interview
• currently participating in other dietary programs or studies
• actively attempting to increase or decrease body weight;
• presence of a chronic medical condition;
• unstable psychiatric condition (e.g., mania, active suicidal ideation)