Dietary approaches to support mental health Policy Evidence Brief

Collaborator

This report considers identified needs and relevant evidence supporting effective interventions and makes four policy recommendations: 1. Access to dietetic services for people with a common mental disorder requiring multidisciplinary treatment services should be provided through inclusion of Accredited Practising Dietitians as eligible allied health professional providers under the Better Access Initiative. 2. National Information and resources on the role of diet and nutrition in mental health should be commissioned, in addition to the suite of education and resources funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (the department) for organisations and professionals to help them support people with mental ill-health (14). These should then be implemented by relevant medical, allied health and mental health education and training organisations. 3. Social prescription within primary health care practice should include referral to community organisations and services providing individual support with nutrition for individuals with common mental disorders. 4. National, state and territory mental health policies and programs should raise public awareness of the role of nutrition and diet in mental health.

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