Dietary Patterns: A New Therapeutic Approach for Depression?

Abstract

Introduction: The field of nutritional psychiatry is a fast-growing one. Although initially, it focused on the effects of vitamins and micronutrients in mental health, in the last decade, its focus also extended to the dietary patterns. The possibility of a dietary cost-effective intervention in the most common mental disorder, depression, cannot be overlooked due to its potential large-scale impact. Method: A classic review of the literature was conducted, and studies published between 2010 and 2018 focusing on the impact of dietary patterns in depression and depressive symptoms were included. Results: We found 10 studies that matched our criteria. Most studies showed an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains, and with low intake of processed and sugary foods, and depression and depressive symptoms throughout an array of age groups, although some authors reported statistical significance only in women. While most studies were of cross-sectional design, making it difficult to infer causality, a randomized controlled trial presented similar results. Discussion: he association between dietary patterns and depression is now well-established, although the exact etiological pathways are still unknown. Dietary intervention, with the implementation of healthier dietary patterns, closer to the traditional ones, can play an important role in the prevention and adjunctive therapy of depression and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: More large-scale randomized clinical trials need to be conducted, in order to confirm the association between high-quality dietary patterns and lower risk of depression and depressive symptoms.

A High Polyphenol Diet Improves Psychological Well-Being: The Polyphenol Intervention Trial (PPhIT)

“…In terms of a food-based approach, several of the above-mentioned foods have been studied both in observational and intervention studies for potential effects on outcomes related to mental well-being, mood, psychological distress and life satisfaction [26], although, potentially due in part to the great variation in study design, results are not consistent. Studying diet on a dietary pattern level will be beneficial in allowing potential complicated or cumulative intercorrelations, interactions and synergies to be revealed, given that different polyphenols may have different effects on outcomes of mental health [27][28][29].…”

Association Between Screen Time, Fast Foods, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents

“…There are growing interests in the association between dietary behavior and depression (16,17). Several considerable researches suggest that consumption of highly processed foods (e.g., FFs, sweet foods, fried foods, processed meat, etc.)…”

Is work engagement associated with healthier dietary patterns? A cross-sectional study

“…Conversely, negative states of mind are associated with maladaptive stress-coping behaviors, such as excess drinking, smoking, and "comfort eating" (over-consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt foods). 9 The reverse pathway-that is, healthy eating can promote positive states of mind-has also received attention in recent years. 10 Again, work engagement is considered to a kind of positive states in the occupational field.…”

“…On the one hand, a more positive state of mind strengthens a person's resolve to stay healthy and invest for the future—for example, by keeping fit and eating well. Conversely, negative states of mind are associated with maladaptive stress‐coping behaviors, such as excess drinking, smoking, and “comfort eating” (over‐consumption of high‐fat, high‐sugar, high‐salt foods) 9 . The reverse pathway—that is, healthy eating can promote positive states of mind—has also received attention in recent years 10 .…”