The Mediterranean Diet and the Western Diet in Adolescent Depression-Current Reports.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to analyze the Mediterranean diet as a modifiable risk factor for depression and compare it to Western diet patterns in adolescents.
Results Summary
The study found that Western eating styles can increase the risk and severity of depression in adolescents, while the Mediterranean diet may reduce these risks. However, longitudinal and clinical studies in adolescent populations are still insufficient.
Population
Adolescents (children and young adults)
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mediterranean diet pattern | decrease | risk and symptoms of depression | adolescents | - | can reduce | #1 |
western eating styles | increase | risk and severity of depression | adolescents | - | can increase | #2 |
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world and a current and growing social and health problem. The growing scale of the problem not only concerns adults, but now it particularly affects children and adolescents. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in adolescence is crucial because adolescent depression is a risk factor for recurrence of depression later in life, as well as many other mental health disorders in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to analyze data on the dietary patterns and composition of the Mediterranean diet as a modifiable risk factor for depression, which would be a viable prevention strategy and a good target for early intervention and supportive treatment of depression. Research shows that the Mediterranean diet pattern can reduce the risk and symptoms of depression, while western eating styles can increase the risk and severity of depression in adolescents. The number of studies in adolescent populations continues to increase, but most longitudinal and clinical studies are still insufficient. Modification of the diet can be a helpful strategy for the prevention and treatment of depression in adolescents; therefore, the diet of young people should be considered a key and modifiable goal in the prevention of mental disorders.