Assessing dietary, exercise, and non-pharmacological modalities within psychiatric hospitals

The ‘Lifestyle Medicine’ approach may offer an effective strategy for improving the outcomes of psychiatric care when used alongside conventional biological and psychotherapeutic treatments. Lifestyle interventions may also be useful in inpatient psychiatric settings, as this context provides a unique setting for adopting lifestyle changes that can be translated following discharge. While the data revealed by the small-scale feasibility studies reporting on the design and implementation of these interventions within psychiatric settings are compelling and indicative of improved patient outcomes, the strength and nature of the relationship between lifestyle factors and psychiatric care provision and outcomes remain unclear. It is strongly suggested that future research should focus on identifying any relevant organisational and programmatic challenges in psychiatric care settings, hence provide clear guidelines to enhance health-promoting behaviours and develop relevant public healthcare standards.