SYNCED - SYNChronized Eating in Bipolar Depression Study

Given the lack of studies evaluating time restricted eating (TRE), this pilot study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of TRE as a prelude to a future multi-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating efficacy. If adjunctive TRE is found to be feasible, this will pave the way for a novel and safe intervention which may have the potential to treat circadian dysfunction, metabolic side effects and improve mood and cognitive outcomes in patients with BD. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of adjunctive 10-hour TRE with treatment as usual relative to nutritional counselling and treatment as usual for the treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder. To do this, the investigators will estimate the rate (proportion) of eligible people who are willing to participate, participants who drop out of the trial and participants who adhere to their allocated intervention. First, the investigators hypothesize that the investigators would achieve our recruitment target of 40 patients with BD within the study's 18-month duration and retain at least 70% of participants through the follow-up period to evaluate feasibility. The investigators will also be able to estimate what level of adherence could be expected following a single intervention with a 4-week reminder. Second, the investigators hypothesize that participants would complete the intervention and find it acceptable. Secondary Objectives To assess if TRE leads to meaningful reductions in markers of depression, anxiety, sleep, quality of life, and cognition. The investigators hypothesize a greater reduction in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms compared to that seen in the control group. The investigators also hypothesize improvements in sleep, quality of life and cognition compared to the control group. Exploratory Objectives Effects on inflammatory markers and circadian disruption will be additionally explored.