Supporting Dietary Change for the Treatment of Mood Disorders in Adults: How Can We Harness Digital Platforms?

摘要

Extensive epidemiological data show an association between diet and mental health. Now, emerging data from intervention studies show dietary interventions can be effective in the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression. This has led to guidelines for mood disorders now containing recommendations that lifestyle-based approaches, including dietary change, form "foundational" treatment. However, without direct access to a dietitian, there are challenges for mental health clinicians implementing these recommendations and consumers initiating and maintaining dietary improvements in the context of their mental disorder. Digital delivery of evidence-based dietary interventions may help overcome these challenges. This paper discusses practical learnings from our experiences piloting digital dietary interventions with participants experiencing depressive symptoms and the current evidence base to aid the translation of digital dietary programs in psychiatry and mental health settings.