Four hygienic-dietary recommendations as add-on treatment in depression: a randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Modifying diet, exercise, sunlight exposure and sleep patterns may be useful in the treatment of depression.

Method: Eighty nonseasonal depressive outpatients on anti-depressant treatment were randomly assigned either to the active or control group. Four hygienic-dietary recommendations were prescribed together. Outcome measures were blinded assessed before and after the six month intervention period.

Results: A better evolution of depressive symptoms, a higher rate of responder and remitters and a lesser psychopharmacological prescription was found in the active group.

Limitations: Small sample size. Lacked homogeneity concerning affective disorders (major depression, dysthimia, bipolar depression).

Conclusions: This study suggests lifestyle recommendations can be used as an effective antidepressant complementary strategy in daily practice.