As with many conditions, diet has a crucial but often underrated relationship with serious mental health problems. In this article the author examines how diet, nutrients and different food types can have a deleterious or beneficial effect on mental health problems such as dementia, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Understanding the complex reactions between healthy eating and cognitive and emotional development can help community nurses provide holistic care for their patients.
Theresa Hartley briefly describes some of the treatments on offer for patients suffering from schizophrenia.