Nutrition Role in The Management of Psychiatric Disorders

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Imbaba Institute

2 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, faculty of Nursing

3 Home Economics Department. Faculty of Specific Education .Ain Shams University

Abstract

The Aim of the current study is to investigate nutrition role in the management of
psychiatric disorders. Research Design: A quasi- experimental research design was utilized for
this study. Setting The study was conducted at outpatient clinic at Institute of Psychiatry
affiliated to Ain Shams University hospitals, using a convenient sample of 50 psychiatric patients
with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Tools:
data were collected through; an interviewing questionnaire covering socio-demographic
characteristics, ,nutrition assessment tools, nutrition risk assessment, and nutrition management
program Results showed that, there were highly statistically significant improvements in
modified nutritional supplements for patients with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders,
and obsessive compulsive disorders, after conducting the nutrition management program.
Regarding psychiatric patients’ knowledge about healthy food, healthy nutritional habits, and
patients’ awareness & readiness for change, there were highly statistically significant
improvements. Concerning signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders there were highly
statistically significant improvements for depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and
obsessive compulsive patients after conducting the management program. In conclusion, the
nutrition management program was effective in improving symptoms associated with, depression,
schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorders. The study recommended
that nurses should have more contribution in counseling psychiatric patients, and their families
about healthy diet and healthy food habits. Further research should recommend studying the
effectiveness of herbs on enhancing mental health for psychiatric patients.

Keywords