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Introduction
Depression is a common disorder and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors.
Diet has been one area that has been suggested in playing a role; from potential for exacerbating symptoms to being a treatment. And while some associations have been noted, many claims far exceed what (little) evidence exists.
Online it is common to see people claiming certain diets can treat depression or that certain foods will improve outcomes. However, does the evidence match such claims?
In trials that have been published on diet-depression, there has been considerable media attention and fanfare around some results. For example, the SMILES trial published out of Australia. However, some have raised considerable concerns about the interpretation of such findings.
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile is on the podcast to discuss what we currently know about diet and depression, what issues exist with current studies, and why many nutrition-mental health studies are being incorrectly interpreted.
Related resources
- Join the Sigma newsletter for free
- Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium
- Research:
- Opie et al., 2015 – The impact of whole-of-diet interventions on depression and anxiety
- Firth et al., 2019 – The Effects of Dietary Improvement on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- Jacka et al., 2017 – SMILES Trial
- Bayes et al., 2022 – AMMEND Trial
- Molendijk et al., 2018 – Diet quality and depression risk: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies
- Dr. Lippman-Barile’s website: feedyourmental.com
- Instagram: @feedyourmental
- Effect Sizes: Opie Systematic Review
- Predictors of Success in Depression Research
- Behavioral Activation
- Implications of BA for Evaluating Nutrition Interventions
- Are The Benefits in Diet Trials Actually Down to Diet?
- SMILES Trial
Guest Information
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Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist that specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the treatment of OCD and compulsive disorders, as well as anxiety and depressive disorders.
Dr. Lippman-Barile has an interest in understanding the diet-mental health relationship and communicating the research abouth this accurately to the public.
She has a private practice located in New York, where she offers telehealth and in-person individual sessions.
Dr. Lippman-Barile is (reluctantly) active on social media and makes content about the psychology of misinformation to help others discern between accurate scientific information and more pseudoscientific thinking, as well as research about the diet-mental health relationship.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
Depression is a common disorder and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors.
Diet has been one area that has been suggested in playing a role; from potential for exacerbating symptoms to being a treatment. And while some associations have been noted, many claims far exceed what (little) evidence exists.
Online it is common to see people claiming certain diets can treat depression or that certain foods will improve outcomes. However, does the evidence match such claims?
In trials that have been published on diet-depression, there has been considerable media attention and fanfare around some results. For example, the SMILES trial published out of Australia. However, some have raised considerable concerns about the interpretation of such findings.
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile is on the podcast to discuss what we currently know about diet and depression, what issues exist with current studies, and why many nutrition-mental health studies are being incorrectly interpreted.
Connection to Previous Episodes
#463: Do Vegan Diets Cause Depression?
- In this episode, the Sigma team explores the question: “Do vegan diets increase the risk of depression?”
- In this episode, we explore the evidence from two ends:
- 1) research related to the proposed mechanisms by which a vegan diet could cause problems.
- 2) outcome data looking at the impact of such diets.
- Click here to go to the episode page.
#421: Brendon Stubbs, PhD – The Research on Depression & Physical Activity
- Brendon Stubbs, PhD, is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and researcher at King’s College London, conducting research in physical activity & mental health.
- He has published over 650 academic papers in several leading journals across multiple scientific fields.
- He has also informed policy guidelines in the UK, Europe and the World Health Organization.
- Click here to go to the episode page.
