Poor Diet and Depression
The purpose of the questionnaire, as used illustrated in the article was to collect information regarding the existing knowledge regarding the connection that exists between nutrition and depression. This is based on the fact that a good number of individuals easily comprehend the existing relationship between deficiencies in nutrition and physical illnesses. According to the author, nutrition plays a fundamental role, not only in the onset but also in severity and the time frame of a given depression. Quite some the nutritional patterns that are easily noticeable and at the same time preceding nutrition are similar to those observed in times of depression (“Understanding Nutrition, Depression and Mental Illnesses” 77).
The scale is broken down into different parts, giving detailed information on the various types of food and how they impact on depression. The first one is carbohydrates, which are reported to be undertaking a relevant role in impacting both on mood and behavior, in higher organisms. Protein, with amino acids being among the components, when taken, impact on the way brain functions as well as mental health, and this can further be validated by the fact that majority of the neurotransmitters in the human brain are made of amino acids components (Hampton 3). The same analysis follows to essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and related physiological and psychological conditions impacting on the same.
In some ways, the questionnaire appears to be validated across some populations. For example, when a study was undertaken in a medical institution, and observation and analysis were undertaken by depressed people and their respective diet, it was concluded that respective nutrition was quite inadequate. The majority of the depressed people make poor food choices and further select those foods that may end up contributing to depression. An example of a research study that can this use the same scale to assess the population is a correlation between stress and anxiety among the members of the society.
Works Cited
Hampton, Tracy. “Brain Protein May Play A Role In Depression-Related Behaviors”. JAMA 310.13 (2013): 1331. Web.
“Understanding Nutrition, Depression And Mental Illnesses”. Indian Journal of Psychiatry 2.50 (2008): 77-82. Print.