New study reveals: The dietary change that may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

A new clinical study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that reducing ultra-processed food was linked to a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety among 20 adults. The findings are preliminary, and researchers emphasize that dietary change may support mental health treatment but is not a substitute for medication or psychotherapy.

A new clinical study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that reducing ultra-processed food was linked to a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults diagnosed with depression. The study, conducted at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), involved 20 adults with an average age of about 44, who consumed a high amount of ultra-processed food and had at least one metabolic risk factor. Participants underwent two periods: one where they continued their usual diet, and another where they significantly reduced ultra-processed food. Results showed a notable decrease in depression and anxiety measures during the period of reduced ultra-processed food. On the PHQ-9 scale, the average score was 5.53 compared to 8.68; on the MADRS scale, it dropped from 18.9 to 8.05; and on the GAD-7 anxiety scale, it was 4.63 compared to 7.37. Clinical psychologist Yoav Rodniki, director of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic in the Central District of Meuhedet, emphasized that dietary change may support mental health treatment but is not a substitute for medication or psychotherapy. The researchers stress that the findings are preliminary and that larger, longer-term studies are needed.