This is a clinical trial for adults with bipolar disorder who experience issues with sleep or daily routines. The trial will test whether two forms of healthy eating – Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) and the Mediterranean diet – can help reduce mood symptoms and improve quality of life. Interested individuals will complete a two-part screening process involving an online questionnaire and one interview via phone or Zoom (up to 90 minutes total). Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to follow either TRE or the Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks. Participants will complete up to 35 hours total of surveys, interviews, and food, sleep, and mood logs while following the food plan and at 6, 9, and 15 months after stopping the food plan. The study pays $25 per hour of assessment, with the possibility of up to 35 hours across the full study period.
To participate you must be:
- 18 – 65 years old
- Diagnosed with and receiving treatment for bipolar1 or bipolar II disorder (but not cyclothymia, BD not otherwise specified or BD due to another medical condition).
- No history of eating disorders, no current alcohol or substance use disorder
- Stable weight, and no medical conditions or medications that would interfere with taking part in a food-related intervention (type I diabetes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, uncorrected hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or gastrointestinal conditions impairing nutrient absorption; clozapine, diabetes-related injections).
- Not a shift worker.
- It is preferred if participants have access to phones but loaner phones will be provided as needed.
Length of the research:
14 months total – 2 weeks of baseline, 8 weeks of interventions, and follow-ups at 16 weeks, 6, 9 and 15 months.
Time commitment:
20 hours total – Daily food logging for 10 weeks, then check-in surveys and interviews for follow-ups.
This study can be completed in-person in Berkeley, CA or remotely for individuals located anywhere in the U.S., Australia, Canada, the UK, or India.
The study pays $25 per hour of assessment, with the possibility of up to 35 hours across the full study period.
If you have questions, would like more information, or are interested in starting the screening process, please visit https://calm.berkeley.edu/healthy-lifestyles-bipolar-disorder/ or
Contact the researchers at:
Email: calmprogram@berkeley.edu.
Phone: (510) 542-8969
See the study flyers here. 1. Healthy Lifestyles in Bipolar Study 2. Paid Online Bipolar Disorder Research Study