Pathogenesis and treatment of depression: Role of diet in prevention and therapy

Weronika Mrozek; Justyna Socha; Klara Sidorowicz; Aleksandra Skrok; Aleksandra Syrytczyk; Iwona Piątkowska-Chmiel; Mariola Herbet

doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112143

Pathogenesis and treatment of depression: Role of diet in prevention and therapy

Nutrition. 2023 Nov:115:112143. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112143. Epub 2023 Jun 28.

Authors

Weronika Mrozek¹, Justyna Socha¹, Klara Sidorowicz¹, Aleksandra Skrok¹, Aleksandra Syrytczyk¹, Iwona Piątkowska-Chmiel¹, Mariola Herbet²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
² Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: mariola.herbet@umlub.pl.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in depression, which is related to, among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression can be fatal if not treated or if treated inappropriately. Depression is the leading cause of suicide attempts. The disease is multifactorial, and pharmacotherapy often fails to bring satisfactory results. Therefore, increasingly more importance is attached to the natural healing substances and nutrients in food, which can significantly affect the therapy process and prevention of depressive disorders. A proper diet is vital to preventing depression and can be a valuable addition to psychological and pharmacologic treatment. An inadequate diet may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants or increase their side effects, leading to life-threatening symptoms. This study aimed to review the literature on the pathogenesis of the development and treatment of depression, with particular emphasis on dietary supplements and the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.

Keywords: Antidepressants; Depression; Diet in depression; Dietary supplements; Nutrition in depression.

Publication types

Review