Overview

Countless studies have established a clear link between what we eat and our physical health. Increasing evidence shows that nutrition also plays a crucial role in mental health outcomes. The complexities of causality and the underlying biological mechanisms are still being unraveled; meanwhile, it is essential that today's mental health professionals be equipped to provide their clients with informed guidance on nutrition, counsel clients on ways that diet can optimize mental health, and recognize when to make referrals to registered dietitians or lifestyle medicine specialists. Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health delves into the vital intersection of these key areas, providing a much-needed overview of the relevant topics. Organized into four sections, this guide explores • The influence of macronutrients and micronutrients on mental health alongside the impact of dietary patterns—such as the ""Standard American Diet,"" the Mediterranean Diet, and the Planetary Health Diet—on mental well-being. • The connection between food insecurity, diet quality, and mental health; rating scales and assessments to screen for food insecurity; and available public health programs and resources. • The effects of psychotropic medications on weight, eating disorders and disordered eating, the gut-brain connection, and the microbiome's role in mental health. • How activities such as cooking, gardening, and growing food can benefit physical and mental health. Each chapter concludes with Clinical Pearls that translate the most salient information into plans of action, as well as summarizing Key Chapter Points.While maintaining the scientific rigor required by clinicians, this book is accessible to a broader audience. Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health helps both professionals and their clients make sound nutritional choices that support mental health.

Full Product Details

Author:   Michael T. Compton, MD MPH (Chairman of Psychiatry, Lenox Hill Hospital)
Publisher:   American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Imprint:   American Psychiatric Association Publishing
ISBN:  

9798894551555

Pages:   358
Publication Date:   20 February 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Not yet available  
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Part 1: An Introduction to Food and Dietary Patterns Chapter 1. An Introduction to Food, Nutrition, and Mental Health Chapter 2. The Macronutrients: An Introduction to Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat, and Fiber Chapter 3. The Micronutrients: An Introduction to Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytonutrients Chapter 4. An Introduction to Dietary Patterns and Specific Diets Part 2: Food Insecurity, Nutrition, and Diet Quality, Counseling, and Resources for the Clinical Setting Chapter 5. Food Insecurity and Mental Health Chapter 6. Food- and Nutrition-Related Rating Scales and Assessment in the Clinical Setting Chapter 7. Assessing and Addressing Food- and Nutrition-Related Issues in the Clinical Setting Chapter 8. Food Is Medicine: Medically Tailored Meals and Groceries, and Produce Prescription Programs Chapter 9. Food- and Nutrition-Related Policies and Programs Part 3: Special Topics on Food and Nutrition Chapter 10. Psychotropic Medications, Increased Appetite, and Iatrogenic Weight Gain Chapter 11. Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Chapter 12. The Gut-Brain Connection and the Microbiome Part 4: Cooking, Gardening, and Growing Food Chapter 13. Cooking, Cooking Together, Eating Together, and Mental Health Chapter 14. Gardening, Gardening Together, and Mental Health Chapter 15. Food Production and Mental Health

Reviews

Author Information

Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H., is a Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and a Research Psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and is board-certified in psychiatry, preventive medicine, and lifestyle medicine.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions