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Nutrition status of primary care patients with depression and anxiety
Forsyth, Adrienne Williams, Peter Deane, Frank
Forsyth, Adrienne
Williams, Peter
Deane, Frank
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrition status of people referred to a nutrition and physical activity program for the management of mental health in general practice. Patients currently being treated for depression and/or anxiety were referred by their GPs to a lifestyle intervention program. The nutrition status was assessed during a comprehensive assessment at the commencement of the program. The lifestyle intervention program, including all assessments, was offered at multiple sites including GP clinics in the Illawarra, and in clinic rooms at the University of Wollongong. Thirty-two men and seventy-seven women completed the assessment. Patients were referred with depression (52%), anxiety (19%) or both (28%). Eighty percent of participants were overweight or obese. All participants completed an assessment that included a diet history, anthropometric measurements and the completion of several questionnaires including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Nutrition status was assessed using mean nutrient intakes and Australian modified Healthy Eating Index scores evaluated against the National Nutrition Survey intakes and DASS scores. Participants met the estimated average requirements for all nutrients except folate (17%), magnesium (78%) and calcium (57%). Intakes were similar to those reported in the National Nutrition Survey. Only magnesium intakes were significantly related to depression (r = –0.26). Australian modified Healthy Eating Index scores were significantly negatively correlated with DASS scores (P < 0.01). The associations presented here support the existing body of literature. Nutrition recommendations for patients with depression and anxiety should be based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating with particular attention to fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.
Keywords
nutrition, mental health, depression, anxiety, general practice, lifestyle intervention, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale
Date
2012
Type
Journal article
Journal
Book
Volume
18
Issue
2
Page Range
172-176
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
DOI
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
Journal compilation © La Trobe University 2012