TITLE

Can What We Eat Affect How We Feel?

DESCRIPTION

This is an article that reviews some of the new research on the impact of diet and mental health.  This article highlights the work of Dr. Ramsey who  “is a pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry, which attempts to apply what science is learning about the impact of nutrition on the brain and mental health.”  The article discusses a number of research studies along with methodology that would be helpful in discussion of Psychology as a science, mental health, and abnormal Psychology and adjunct therapies.   “Nutritional psychiatrists like Dr. Ramsey prescribe antidepressants and other medications, where appropriate, and engage in talk therapy and other traditional forms of counseling. But they argue that fresh and nutritious food can be a potent addition to the mix of available therapies.”  The research studies cited in the article would make for a lively discussion in class

SOURCE

New York Times, March 28, 2019, by Richard Schiffman

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/28/well/eat/food-mood-depression-anxiety-nutrition-psychiatry.html

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y2cn6fda

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is “nutritional psychiatry”?

•What are the goals of that new field?

•Ask the students to cite a supporting research study.

•How can this field be integrated as an adjunct to psychotherapy?