NOURISH OCD Trial: A wholefoods diet and obsessive-compulsive disorder – a pilot study
The aim of the study is to explore whether a particular way of eating (a diet/dietary intervention) may be helpful for symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in New Zealand adults (aged 18+). We are also examining whether changes in diet may also lead to changes to markers of metabolic health (like your blood glucose and cortisol levels), and levels of certain vitamins and minerals (like vitamin D and folate).
There has been research that has explored whether the food we eat can improve our mental health and symptoms of disorders (such as anxiety and depression); however, there have been no studies that have looked at whether the food may impact symptoms of OCD. There is also no research published about what individuals with OCD are eating, which will also be explored within this study.
About the Trial
We are looking for 45 New Zealand adults (aged 18+) with OCD who are willing to change their diet. The trial will include examining whether a whole foods diet, or a more restrictive, alternative whole foods diet might improve symptoms of OCD.
Participants will complete initial questionnaires, weekly symptom monitoring questionnaires, as well as meeting up with the research coordinator at each 4-week point in the study. Participants will also be required to get 2x blood tests in order to examine vitamin and mineral levels, as well as markers of metabolic health. Participation in the trial may be anywhere from 9 to 20 weeks.
Participation in the trial is conducted entirely online via Zoom. Clinical oversight is provided throughout the trial via online meetings with a psychologist.
Investigators
Sophia Dawson - PhD student/ Research Coordinator
Professor Julia Rucklidge - Primary Supervisor
Professor Grant Schofield - Secondary Supervisor
Emeritus Professor Neville Blampied - Co-Investigator
Provost Associate Professor Katie Holton - Co-Investigator
Can I Participate?
Inclusion:
1. Aged 18+ years old
2. Living in Aotearoa New Zealand
3. Has a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder
4. Is willing to change diet
5. Has access to WiFi
Exclusion:
1. Has a diagnosis of any of the following psychiatric conditions: personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or a substance abuse disorder
2. Is unwilling to make dietary changes
3. Is unwilling to complete questionnaires and attend follow up appointments
Screening Process
If you are interested to participate, please click the following link to complete the screening questionnaires (these will take you around 10 minutes to complete). Sophia, Research Coordinator, will contact you within 48 hours of your completion of these: https://canterbury.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2h6PmvbyerIiQGq
Contact
Please email Sophia Dawson Sophiac.dawson@pg.canterbury.ac.nz for further information.
