Chrononutrition interventions for mental health: addressing atypical depression, ultra-processed food use disorder, and circadian dysregulation

Abstract

Background: Atypical depression frequently presents with metabolic and immuno-inflammatory comorbidities, often exacerbated by chronic intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which can exhibit addictive-like properties. However, these dietary underpinnings are rarely a focus in standard psychiatric care. Emerging research in chronobiology reveals that meal timing—commonly referred to as a zeitgeber—can help realign disrupted circadian rhythms that underlie various psychiatric symptoms, from atypical depression and anxiety to insomnia and impulsivity. Aim: This perspectives paper proposes a Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) approach within the framework of chrononutrition to simultaneously target the metabolic, circadian, and behavioral roots of mental health disorders. By reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods and restructuring daily food intake windows, clinicians may observe improvements in both mood-related and neurovegetative symptoms across a range of psychiatric conditions. Methods/Approach: We synthesize emerging evidence on how circadian misalignment, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammatory processes intersect in mental health. We then discuss how a structured chrononutrition intervention, particularly TRE, can serve as both a screening and therapeutic tool for patient populations exhibiting symptoms such as hypersomnia, anxiety, agitation, compulsivity, and impaired focus. Conclusion: Chrononutrition, alongside established psychiatric treatments, may offer a low-risk, high-yield strategy for improving mental health outcomes. Further research is needed to solidify consensus on definitions, assessment tools, and best practices for addressing ultra-processed food addiction and circadian disruption in clinical settings.