Dietary Counselling Plus Omega-3 Supplementation in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Principal Investigator: Dr. Monique Aucoin ND MSc, Senior Research Fellow, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Associate Investigators:
- Dr. Laura LaChance MD, Psychiatrist, Assistant Professor, McGill University
- Dr. Inge van der Wurff PhD, Assistant Professor, Open University of the Netherlands
- Dr. Kieran Cooley ND, Director of Research, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Purpose and description of study:
Emerging evidence suggests that diet is an important modifiable risk factor in the development and treatment of depression. Less is known about the role of healthy eating in the treatment of anxiety disorders. We are conducting a pilot study to test the effects of dietary modification and omega-3 supplementation in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study is a randomized, waitlist-controlled study providing 12 weeks of biweekly one-on-one dietary counselling sessions plus omega-3 supplementation.
Half of the participants will begin the program immediately; the other half will complete a 12-week waitlist period, and then complete the program. Participants will complete questionnaires and blood tests before and after completing the program. We will assess for feasibility and acceptability of the program and any changes in anxiety symptoms, self-efficacy, quality of life and blood test results. Participants receive an honorarium and some shelf-stable food items.
We welcome Ontario occupational therapists to consider participating or to share this opportunity with their clients. Eligible participants must be: (1) 18 to 65-year-old women (self-identified) who have moderate to severe GAD (2) No diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, eating disorder or substance use disorder, (3) Not currently engaged in diet counselling or diet modification (4) Able to attend 3-4 study visits in North York (Toronto).
Deadline to participate: Approximately March 31, 2023 (or when 50 participants have completed enrollment).
Participate in the study.
Contact
Monique Aucoin if you have any questions.