© 2004 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
International variations in the outcome of schizophrenia and the prevalence of depression in relation to national dietary practices: an ecological analysis
Swallownest Court Hospital, Aughton Road, Sheffield S26 4TH, UK.
Correspondence: Tel: +44 (0)114 2872570; fax: +44 (0)114 2879147; e-mail: malcolmpeet{at}yahoo.com
Declaration of interest M.P. has received research funding from Laxdale Ltd, a company which is developing ethyleicosapentaenoic acid as a treatment for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
See editorial, pp.
381–382, this
issue.
Background Dietary variations are known to predictthe prevalence of physical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease but the possible influence of diet on mental health has been neglected.
Aims To explore dietary predictors of the outcome of schizophrenia and the prevalence of depression.
Method Ecological analysis of national dietary patterns in relation to international variations in outcome of schizophrenia and prevalence of depression.
Results A higher national dietary intake of refined sugar and dairy products predicted a worse 2-year outcome of schizophrenia. A high national prevalence of depression was predicted by a low dietary intake of fish and seafood.
Conclusions The dietary predictors of outcome of schizophrenia and prevalence of depression are similar to those that predict illnesses such as coronary heart disease and diabetes, which are more common in people with mental health problems and in which nutritional approaches are widely recommended. Dietary intervention studies are indicated in schizophrenia and depression.
Related articles in BJP:
- Highlights of this issue
BJP 2004 184: 379-a19.[Full Text] - Cross-national differences in diet, the outcome of schizophrenia and the prevalence of depression: you are (associated with) what you eat
- Andrew McIntosh and Stephen Lawrie
BJP 2004 184: 381-382.[Full Text] - Peter Tyrer
BJP 2004 184: 464.[Full Text]
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