Individuals with serious mental illness die 25 years earlier than the general population often from cardiovascular disease caused by factors like:
- Side effects from 2nd generation antipsychotics 
- High rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, & dyslipidemia
- Poor nutrition habits 
- Lack of exercise 
- Smoking 

Those suffering from severe mental illness typically do not consume a healthy diet due to barriers such as:
- Increased appetite from psychiatric medications
- Convenience of unhealthy foods 
- Difficulties eating a healthy diet 

Researchers suggest that by changing individuals' dietary behaviors, they will be able to live longer and healthier lives. 

Background of Nutrition & Mental Illness Study 

The study itself was prospective and qualitative in nature. The researchers utilized semi-structured interviews which asked open-ended questions about participant's health habits and understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Then targeting questions were asked about: 
- Eating habits
- Conception of a healthy diet 
- Changing their eating behaviors
- Barriers to healthy eating 

Measures Utilized: Healthy Eating & Mental Illness 

- Understanding of a healthy diet 
- Internal barriers to healthy eating
- External barriers to healthy eating

Healthy Eating Study: Results & Conclusions


- 31 volunteer participants
- 18+ years old
- 51.6% women 
- 54.8% Caucasian; 35.5% African American
- Documented diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and/or major depression


Participants in Healthy Eating Study

For those not yet ready to make changes, researchers suggest:
- Increasing personal risk perception
- Weighing the pros and cons of healthy eating 
- Increasing self-efficacy for dietary change 

For those ready to make changes, researchers suggest:
- Individualized education efforts including time and cost-effective planning and preparation of meals 
- Seeking nutrition advice from a dietitian 
- Getting social support from friends & family 

External Aid:
- Community mental health centers/group homes can provide healthy food, demonstrate healthy eating, and provide social support
- Clinical practitioners should empower clients to eat healthy, inquire about eating in response to emotions, and likewise take into account the impact of antipsychotic medication side effects on patients' eating behaviors

What can be done to improve eating behaviors among severely mentally ill individuals:

- Background
- Participants
- Measures Utilized
- Results & Conclusions
- What can be done?

Saint Louis University

In this study, researchers collected data on healthy eating barriers which impact individuals suffering from mental illness. They found that participant's barriers towards a healthy lifestyle were modifiable and suggested helpful intervention techniques. 

Healthy Eating in Persons with Serious Mental Illnesses: Understanding and Barriers

Barre, L. K., Ferron, J. C., Davis, K. E., & Whitley, R. (2011). Healthy eating in persons with serious mental illnesses: Understanding and barriers. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 34(4), 304–310. https://doi.org/10.2975/34.4.2011.304.310

Healthy Eating in Persons with Serious Mental Illness

Aspects of Healthy Eating & Mental Illness Study

According to the article, individuals with epilepsy had much higher rates of depression and anxiety in comparison to people without epilepsy.

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