Psychiatrists' Perspectives on the Role of Nutrition in the Treatment of Patients with Depression in Ireland: A pragmatic qualitative study using semi-structured interviews

By Jennifer White - Online MSc - Advanced Nutrition

Abstract

Background

Depression is estimated to affect over 264 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that food and nutrients could play an important role with regard to preventing and treating depression. However, there appears to be differing views regarding the role of nutrition within the field of psychiatry. There is a dearth of research in this area with the perspectives of Irish psychiatrists remaining unknown.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore psychiatrists’ perspectives on the role of nutrition in the treatment of patients with depression in Ireland. To achieve this, online semi-structured interviews were carried out with 7 psychiatrists (including 2 trainees). Interviews were transcribed, analysed, and reported.

Methodology

This was a pragmatic qualitative study which used thematic analysis to report findings according to anticipated and emergent themes. Findings were discussed in relation to the literature reviewed. Bracketing was used as a tool to reduce researcher bias.

Findings

There is no established opinion on nutrition within the field of psychiatry and there was unanimous consensus amongst all participants in this regard. There was strong agreement that nutrition did not form any part of their psychiatry education, nor did it form part of their medical training. Some participants would like to be provided with nutrition training as findings show that psychiatrists felt nutrition was important for patients with depression and there is a place for it in psychiatry, however it rarely forms part of their treatment plans.

Conclusion

There is a dearth of research regarding psychiatrists’ perspectives on the role of nutrition in the treatment of patients with depression and this study makes a novel contribution to the evidence base. Overall, current findings add a new level of understanding where there was none before.