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A personalised nutrition intervention for adolescent depression: a mixed-methods feasibility pilot study
Susan C Campisi1,2, Megan Liang1, Samantha J Anthony3,4
1Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|October 29, 2024
Summary
This pilot study found a personalized nutrition intervention feasible and acceptable for adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). The program showed preliminary improvements in depression symptoms and family food environments.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Diet modification benefits adult major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment.
- Research on nutritional interventions for adolescents with MDD is limited.
- This study addresses the gap by examining a personalized nutrition intervention for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a personalized nutrition intervention for adolescents with MDD.
- To explore potential preliminary effects on depression symptoms and family food environment.
- To inform future research and interventions for adolescent MDD.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week, single-arm, mixed-methods pilot study involving 10 adolescents with MDD and their parents.
- Intervention included virtual nutrition counseling, menu planning, grocery delivery, and eHealth messages.
- Feasibility assessed via five criteria; acceptability and experiences gathered through qualitative interviews.
Main Results:
- The intervention was feasible and acceptable to both adolescents and parents.
- Preliminary improvements observed in depression symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.36), parent food modeling (d = 0.24), and family food environment (d = 0.61).
- Participants reported satisfaction with counseling, menu planning, and recognized benefits of dietary changes.
Conclusions:
- Personalized nutrition interventions are feasible and acceptable for adolescents with MDD.
- Preliminary findings support further investigation into the intervention's efficacy for depression and family dynamics.
- This approach holds promise for improving adolescent mental health through dietary strategies.
