ORGANIZATIONS
NutriSystem, Inc. 200 Welsh Road, Horsham, PA 19044.
Telephone: (215) 706-5300. Website: http://www.nutri
system.com.
Slim and Tone. 300 Welsh Road, Bldg 1, Suite 225, Hor-
sham, PA 19044. Telephone: (877) 453-SLIM. Website:
http://www.slimandtone.com.Rebecca J. Frey, PhDNutrition and mental health
Definition/Description
Mental health problems are believed to be the
result of a combination of factors that appear to play
a role in predisposing individuals to developing a
mental health difficulty. These include genetics, age
and environmental factors. More recently, however,
there is a growing wealth of evidence, which highlights
the ever-increasing role that food and nutrition plays
in our emotional status. The evidence suggests that
may food play an important contributing role in the
prevention, progression and management of mental
health problems including, Depression, Anxiety,
Schizophrenia, Attention DeficitHyperactivityDis-
order (ADHD), and Alzheimers Disease. Research is
ongoing in this area and the role of nutrition in mental
health has yet to be fully understood and embraced.
Much of the proposed benefits require further
research before we can equivocally relate specific men-
tal health problems to our nutritional status.Demographics
There appears to be a growing burden of mental
ill-health worldwide which ultimately poses an
ongoing financial burden on healthcare systems. Dem-
ographics vary from one country to the next with some
countries statistics suggesting that one in four people
are likely to experience a mental health problem at
some point in their lifetime. Most studies indicate
that there appears to be no respite in the pace and
impact of the growing burden of mental ill-health.Causes and symptoms
There is a plethora of anecdotal, clinical and con-
trolled studies that highlight the importance of nutri-
tion as one part of the jigsaw in the prevention and
management of positive mental health. Other causa-
tive factors include genetics and environmental factorsDiagnosis
Diagnosis of a mental health problem is usually
made by a trained clinician, for example, a Psychiatrist
or a General Practitioner (GP). Confirmation of a
diagnosis is usually made following completion of
standardised assessment tools and a full psychiatric
assessment.Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type of mental
health problem. However, more and more, lifestyle
factors including exercise are seen as a first-line treat-
ment for people suffering with symptoms of Depres-
sion. If required, this may then be followed by a
talking therapy, for example, Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy (CBT) or a guided self-help approach with
evidence-based books, called ’Bibliotherapy’. Medica-
tion may also be required as an adjunct to the afore-
mentioned therapies, for example, Selective
Serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Where indi-
viduals do not respond to these treatments, Electro
convulsive therapy (ECT) may be explored. For other
types of mental health problems, medication may be
commenced on diagnosis, subject to the symptoms the
individual is experiencing. In cases where the individ-
ual is deemed as requiring support and intervention on
a more intensive basis, inpatient treatment may be
necessary. This is usually considered if the individual
is thought to present a risk either to themselves or
others as a consequence of their mental health
difficulty.Nutrition/Dietetic concerns
The food we eat plays an important role in our
physical and emotional wellbeing at every stage of our
lives from the preconceptive nutrition of a mother
planning her pregnancy through to weaning, adoles-
cence, adult and older adulthood. The benefits to
babies of breast versus formula milks in terms of
brain function is well documented. These benefits are
thought to be as a consequence of increased levels of
Essential fatty Acids (EFAs) in breastmilk. Many
studies have reviewed research over the past number
of years, which clearly support the notion that the
inclusion of breakfast improves daily and long-term
academic performance in children. Similarly, research
studies suggest that when children are hungry, behav-
iour is worsened. Conversely, the provision of nutri-
tious meals helps decrease fighting and absence whilst
simultaneously increasing attention. A number of
studies suggest that supplementation of the diet can
impact on the behaviour of offenders and have aNutrition and mental health