Nutritional counseling needs of patients with mental disorders in psychiatric care: A cross-sectional survey

Background: The exploration of diet and nutrition as they relate to mental health and psychiatric disorders is a developing field. Anxiety, depression, and pharmacological treatments used to treat these disorders are likely to have side effects that induce decreases in activity and irregular eating habits, resulting in persistent nutritional imbalance. Unhealthy dietary patterns are associated with an increased risk of developing physical and mental health conditions. Despite this, nutritional support to patients in psychiatric care is not adequate. Aims: This study aimed to determine the factors underlying the need for nutritional counseling among patients with a mental disorder in psychiatry. The factors explored are eating-related symptoms, eating behavior, interest in food, seeking nutritional counseling, and impact on quality of life (QOL). Methods: We utilized a cross-sectional study design. Eligible patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding physical measurements and nutritional counseling. In addition, patients’ diagnoses and blood test data were referenced from their medical records. The analysis focused on two groups: those who desired to consult a nutritionist and those who did not. Results: Ninety-three patients completed the study. The nutritional status and need for nutritional counseling in psychiatry patients indicates that patients with dietary problems requested nutritional counseling ( p < .001). Patients who were more likely to need nutritional counseling had lower QOL in daily life ( p = .011), pain/discomfort ( p = .024), and anxiety/depression ( p = .010) on the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L). Conclusions: Patients with mental disorders who need nutritional counseling tend to have food-related problems and low QOL. It is necessary to establish an interdisciplinary system for nutritional counseling.