Ketogenic Diet for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Dietary Interventions for MEntal Health Study (DIME) (DIME)
Treatment Resistant Depression, Depression, Mental Illness
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Treatment Resistant Depression focused on measuring Ketogenic Diet, Keto Diet, Keto, Metabolic Ketosis, Randomised Controlled Trial
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18-65 years Have been diagnosed with depression Have had 2 or more antidepressant treatment trials of adequate dose and duration within the current depressive episode to which they did not fully respond. An adequate treatment trial is defined as at least 4 weeks of a medication at a minimum NICE-approved dose With a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score greater than or equal to 15 at baseline Able to understand and be willing to adhere to the demands of the study Provision of written informed consent Have access to a tablet/computer for online assessments, follow-ups with the registered dietitian, and able to attend appointments for assessments and treatment and adhere to study procedures Have both a fridge and a freezer at home Complete all baseline assessments Exclusion Criteria: Currently following a low carbohydrate or ketogenic diet Currently following a vegan or vegetarian diet as these diets are more challenging to accommodate in a KD and adding vegetables in the control group is unlikely to be seen as helpful. Currently receiving, or have received, in-patient psychiatric treatment or electroconvulsive therapy (electric shock to the brain under brief general anaesthetic) within the past year, or scheduled to receive such treatment during the study Currently using St John's wort or other remedies for depression that were bought without a doctor's prescription Currently have suicidal ideation with intent* or attempted suicide within the past two months Ever had an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis Have substance use or alcohol dependence Have epilepsy Have serious food allergies (experiencing food hypersensitivity that leads to anaphylaxis or other severe symptoms, which may require hospitalisation or are life-threatening) or otherwise require a special diet that cannot be accommodated within a KD such as phenylketonuria or lactose intolerance Treated with insulin, sulfonylureas, GLP-1 analogues, or SGLT2 inhibitors Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy in the next three months, or breastfeeding Have a body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m2 Have unstable or severe medical conditions (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular, renal, lung, psychiatric, or bleeding disorders, diabetes, etc.), currently receiving cancer treatment except hormonal treatment for breast cancer or non-melanoma skin cancer treatment Have gallstones, renal tubular acidosis, kidney stones, small bowel malabsorption or a history of pancreatitis Have scheduled a major surgery in the next 3 months Taking part in other studies that may compromise this study or this study may compromise the other study/ies Have read the trial protocol or the clinical trial registration information and therefore are unblinded Live in the same household as another participant in the trial Not able to complete the online task with a tablet/computer Not willing to provide saliva, urine and stool samples
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
Ketogenic Diet
Modified Fat, Phytonutrient Diet
Participants allocated to this condition will receive 6-weeks of home-delivered pre-prepared ketogenic diet meals (3 meals/day, snacks) from a vetted ketogenic diet food supplier. The 6-week intervention includes a weekly 30-minute dietary counselling call with a registered dietitian to support following a ketogenic diet. Participants receive educational materials with information about foods that are compatible with the diet, common symptoms and how to manage them, and strategies to help maintain the diet during and after the 6-week intervention period.
Participants in the control group will receive weekly 30-minute dietary counselling with a registered dietitian and be asked to increase vegetable consumption and reduce saturated fat intake. Participants will receive food vouchers every 2-weeks to help purchase food items or replacements that support high vegetable, low saturated fat intake. This aims to be a plausible placebo dietary treatment for depression. There is no clear evidence that these manipulations will change depression severity. The dietitian will provide materials to explain the diet and suggest foods by colour with supporting recipe suggestions.