Nutrition and Depression: Collaboration Between Psychologists and Dietitians in Depression Treatment

• Published in: Translational issues in psychological science 2023-06, Vol.9 (2), p.137-148
• Main Authors: Stenz, Colette F. H., Jansen, Kate L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinicians; Collaboration; Diets; Female; Health Knowledge; Human; Major Depression; Male; Nutrition; Psychologists; Treatment
• ISSN: 2332-2136; 2332-2179
• DOI: 10.1037/tps0000357

The relationship between nutrition and depression is well established; dietary habits are significantly associated with risk for depressive symptoms. Specific diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, have considerable evidence to support its use in reducing depression symptoms. Unknown, however, is psychologist and dietitian knowledge and practical application of this literature. One proposed method to increase the application of this knowledge in the treatment of depression is to engage in interprofessional collaboration. Specifically, collaboration between psychologists and dietitians may serve as a novel treatment approach in using diet to address depression. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and practices among psychologists and dietitians as well as examine benefits and barriers to collaboration between these professions. Psychologists and dietitians were surveyed on their attitudes toward and practical application of nutrition and depression research. Clinicians responded to questions regarding scope of practice for both psychologists and dietitians. Benefits and barriers to collaboration were explored. All clinicians surveyed agreed there is a relationship between diet and depression. While both professions demonstrated similar knowledge of the research on this topic, more psychologists than dietitians discussed this relationship with the clients. Thematic analysis revealed perceived benefits and barriers to collaboration between professions. This information guides specific recommendations for psychologists and dietitians to engage in more effective integrative care approaches with dietitians. With increased education on the relationship between diet and depression, as well as effective skills to collaborate, dietitians and psychologists can improve the overall care of their patients. What is the significance of this article for the general public?The present study suggests psychologists and dietitians agree that clinicians should collaborate on depression cases where poor diet may be a factor. Through collaborative efforts, this novel approach to depression may help to improve the overall care of patients by addressing lifestyle factors such as diet that may be serving to maintain symptoms or increase the risk of depressive relapse.