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OPTIMISM

What is the OPTIMISM trial?

OPTIMISM is a four-week study that aims to compare the effects of two dietary patterns on depressive symptoms and other health outcomes among adults with and without depression. All meals and snacks will be provided to participants for the duration of the trial.

How are we doing this trial?

We are recruiting 44 adults with depression, and 22 adults without depression, from the Geelong and Melbourne regions. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two dietary patterns and must only consume the meals and snacks provided to them for four weeks. We will measure changes in depressive symptoms, and other symptoms such as anxiety and gut symptoms, over this period. We will also collect blood and stool samples, which will provide information about how the different dietary patterns may impact participants.

What does the trial involve?

As part of the trial, you will be asked to:

  • Follow a specific dietary pattern for four weeks.
  • Consume only the meals and snacks provided.
  • Complete a pre-screening survey, and two one-on-one screening interviews over zoom about your diet and mental health.
  • Attend two in-person study appointments at the Health Education and Research Building, Level 2, Barwon Health.
  • Provide a blood and stool sample at these two visits.
  • Complete a range of questionnaires.
  • Check-in weekly with a member of the research team via zoom.

In return you will:

  • Be provided with all meals and snacks for four weeks.
  • Receive a $25 e-gift card to assist with parking and transportation costs.

Who is eligible to participate?

For those with depression, you may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

  • Aged 18-65 years.
  • Have received a diagnosis of depression.
  • Live in Geelong or Melbourne.
  • Do not have a diagnosed food allergy, severe food intolerance or dietary restriction.
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

For those without depression, you may be eligible to participate if you are:

  • Aged 18-65 years.
  • Live in Geelong or Melbourne.
  • Do not have a diagnosed food allergy, severe food intolerance or dietary restriction.
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

What do we hope to find?

This trial aims to improve understanding of how food can influence depressive symptoms.

Interested in participating?

You can complete a brief pre-screening survey here to see if you may be eligible.

If you are interested in learning more about the trial, please contact us at optimismscreen@deakin.edu.au.

This study is approved by the Barwon Health and Deakin University Research Ethics Committees (Reference Numbers: BH-HREC 23/75, DU-HREC 2023-297)

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