Scott Teasdale
Scott is an Equally Well Ambassador, Research Fellow and Dietitian with Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, and Vice-Convenor of the Dietitians Australia’s Mental Health Interest Group. Scott was the founding dietitian for the Keeping the Body in Mind lifestyle program which aims to protect the physical health of people utilising the mental health services in South Eastern Sydney. His body of research work focuses on the role of nutrition for both physical and mental health in people living with mental illness.
Presentation
Abstract Title: Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dietary interventions in individuals with a mental disorder: the extent of evidence from review studies
Presentation type: General
Author(s): Tracy Burrows, Scott Teasdale, Janice Plain, Deanne Harris, Tetyana Rocks, Adrienne
Forsyth, Georgina Latimer, Michelle Roberton, Julia Schindlmayr.
Abstract
Introduction: Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are health professionals
equipped to take a lead role in multidisciplinary teams to provide effective, evidence
based dietary interventions for the prevention, treatment and management of
mental illness and/or associated physical illness. A body of research work was
undertaken with two distinct aims (1) to determine the extent of research
undertaken on the effectiveness of dietary interventions for individuals with a
mental disorder on dietary intake, mental health symptomology and physical health
outcomes, (2) to explore the extent of the evidence of experimental studies
evaluating the cost effectiveness of dietary interventions in individuals with mental
disorders
Methods: Systematic reviews were undertaken for each aim through searching a
range of online databases to identify published research studies. Each review was
inclusive of a range of mental health conditions including disordered eating, severe
mental illness, substance use, depression and anxiety. For each review standardised
screening and data extraction was undertaken using recognised international
methodology.
Results:
Aim 1: A total of 46 reviews were included across areas of: disordered eating (N=3),
severe mental illness (N=31), substance use disorders (N=3), and depression and
anxiety (N=9), totalling 46 included systematic reviews within this rapid review. The
majority of reviews were published within the last five years (i.e. since 2016) (N=27),
and included studies conducted in adult populations (N=28). Most reviews in the
areas of severe mental illness and depression and anxiety reported conclusions in
support of the positive effects of dietary intervention, including for nutrition
education and behaviour change type interventions.
Aim 2: A total of 13 articles reporting on eight studies were included. Seven studies
were in community settings (e.g. outpatient clinics), and one study in the community
housing setting. All studies were in adults, seven included male and female
participants. Defined mental disorder diagnoses included serious/severe mental
disorders (n=3), major depression (n=2), schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or
first-episode psychosis (n=1), any mental disorder (n=1), and bulimia nervosa (n=1).
Five interventions were multi-behaviour, two were diet only and one was an eating
disorder treatment. Cost analyses included cost-utility (n=3), cost-effectiveness
(n=1), cost-utility and cost-effectiveness (n=3), and a costing study (n=1). Two studies
(25%) reported positive results in favour of cost effectiveness, and four studies
reported a mix of positive and neutral results.
Discussion: Dietitians have a defined role statement for mental health, a position
paper, and from the reviews support that dietary interventions show promising
results to improve metnal health and may be a cost effective approach.
