RecruitingInterventional

FAD - Food for ADHD and Depression

The FAD (Food for ADHD and Depression) study is investigating whether making changes to your diet, with regular support from a coach, can help to reduce symptoms of ADHD and low mood. Many people with ADHD also experience depression, and this study aims to find new ways to help those who might not benefit from current treatments or prefer not to use them. For 16 weeks, participants will follow one of two dietary plans. Researchers will compare how these diets affect ADHD symptoms, mood, and energy levels. The study involves online coaching, questionnaires, and providing some samples. It's open to adults aged 18 and over who have an ADHD diagnosis and are experiencing depressive symptoms, have internet access, and are willing to make dietary changes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

ADHD and related depression symptoms

What is this study about?

Many people living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) also experience feelings of low mood or depression. While there are existing treatments like medication and talking therapies that help some, these don't work for everyone, or some people may choose not to use them. This is where the FAD (Food in ADHD and Depression) study comes in.

This research aims to find out if changes to your diet, combined with regular coaching, could be an effective way to improve symptoms of both ADHD and depression. The study will compare two different dietary approaches to see if one is more helpful than the other. The goal is to explore new, non-medicinal options that could offer relief and improve quality of life for those affected.

By taking part, you would be contributing valuable information that could lead to new ways of supporting people with ADHD and related depression in the future. The study is run by the University of Oxford and is funded by the Baszucki Group and public donations, showing a commitment to discovering innovative health solutions.

Key takeaways

A 16-week study exploring diet and coaching for ADHD and depression symptoms.
Open to adults with an ADHD diagnosis and current depressive symptoms.
Involves online coaching, dietary changes, and regular assessments.
Aims to find new, non-medicinal ways to help manage these conditions.
Potential benefits include personalised dietary advice and improved well-being.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older, of any gender, who have received a formal diagnosis of ADHD from a doctor here in the UK. You also need to be currently experiencing symptoms of depression, but you don't need a formal diagnosis of depression itself.

To take part, you must have reliable internet access and be prepared to change your diet, attend online coaching sessions, fill out questionnaires, do some simple computer-based tests, and provide blood and stool samples. You also need to be willing for your GP to be informed of your participation.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a very low body weight (BMI under 18.5), have Type 1 diabetes, serious kidney or liver problems, or if you already follow specific diets like low-carb, vegetarian, or vegan. People with certain conditions like eating disorders, psychosis, epilepsy, or problems with substance misuse also can't take part. A medical check will confirm if the study is right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you been formally diagnosed with ADHD by a UK psychiatrist?
Are you currently experiencing symptoms of low mood or depression?
Do you have regular internet access and are you willing to change your diet?
Are you able to provide blood and stool samples?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding, or have Type 1 diabetes or a very low body weight?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two different dietary programmes, which means you won't get to choose which one you follow. The study will last for 16 weeks for everyone. During this time, you'll have online group coaching sessions for 45 minutes once a week. You'll also have one-on-one online coaching sessions, starting with 60 minutes weekly for the first couple of weeks, then 30 minutes weekly for the next six weeks, and finally 30 minutes every two weeks for the remainder of the study.

To help the researchers understand how the diets are affecting you, you'll complete online questionnaires and computer-based tests at the beginning of the study, at week 6, and again at week 16. You'll also be asked to rate your mood and energy briefly each day (about 1 minute) and your productivity once a week. You'll need to do daily finger-prick tests to check your blood sugar and ketones. Blood samples will be collected at the start and end of the study at a Randox Health clinic, and you'll also provide stool samples at these same two times. After the 16 weeks, there's an optional 30-minute interview where you can share your experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you some personal benefits, such as receiving tailored advice about diet that could potentially help improve your ADHD symptoms, mood, energy levels, and overall health. You would also be contributing to important research that aims to find new ways to help many people in the future. While serious risks are not expected, you might experience some mild side effects such as headaches, tiredness, or changes in your digestion. The finger-prick tests might cause minor soreness, and blood tests could result in a little bruising. Some people might also feel a bit uncomfortable answering personal questions about their mood or collecting stool samples. Support will be available if you experience any discomfort or concerns. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is the FAD study trying to find out?

It's trying to see if changing your diet with coaching can improve ADHD symptoms and related low mood better than another established dietary approach.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

Each person will take part in the study for a total of 16 weeks.

Do I need to have a formal depression diagnosis to participate?

No, you need a formal ADHD diagnosis, but for depression, just experiencing the symptoms is enough – a formal diagnosis isn't required.

Will I have to take any new medications?

No, this study focuses on dietary changes and coaching, not new medications.

Can I choose which diet I follow?

No, you'll be randomly assigned to one of the two dietary programmes being tested.

How to find out more

Ewan Houston

fad@psych.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.