Efficacy of a multimodal lifestyle intervention (The Lift Project) for improving the mental health of individuals with an affective mood disorder living in South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundAffective disorders are becoming more pervasive worldwide, including in Southern Africa, where treating patients with these conditions is challenging due to social and financial constraints. A variety of non-pharmacological approaches including lifestyle medicine (e.g., exercise, nutrition, sleep) and positive psychology practices (e.g., gratitude, service), are effective for treating mental health (MH) conditions.MethodsTwenty-six individuals from South Africa with a diagnosed MH condition participated in a 10-week multimodal intervention incorporating a diverse range of non-pharmacological strategies for improving MH. MH metrics were assessed pre-and post-intervention, including general MH, vitality/energy (VIT), depression, anxiety, stress, and satisfaction with life. MH and VIT were also measured weekly.ResultsImprovements were observed in all mental metrics from pre-to post-intervention: MH (59%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = 1.36), VIT (110%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = 1.71), depression (−46%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = −1.06), anxiety (−48%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = −1.21), stress (−36%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = −1.08) and life satisfaction (23%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = 0.66). Significant improvements in MH and VIT were observed after only 1 week of the intervention and progressively increased until the seventh week, after which further improvements were not statistically significant.ConclusionThe findings of this cohort study indicate that a multimodal intervention that incorporates lifestyle and positive psychology practices may benefit individuals living with an affective disorder. Non-pharmacological, multimodal interventions might offer a stigma-free way of providing MH promotion and treatment at a population level.

Exploring Depression and Nutritional Covariates Amongst US Adults using Shapely Additive Explanations

“…Given the detrimental effects of depression, it is imperative to increase research on potential treatments and interventions 14,15 . Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, have been identified as potential avenues for treatment 16–20 . In addition, there is a growing body of evidence on specific nutritional targets that are inversely associated with depression.…”

“…14,15 Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, have been identified as potential avenues for treatment. [16][17][18][19][20] In addition, there is a growing body of evidence on specific nutritional targets that are inversely associated with depression. In our enhanced data set, we examine all the nutrition covariates to determine their potential impact on depressive symptoms.…”