Dietary Patterns Vary by Depressive Symptom Severity in Youth With Depressive Disorders

The aim of the study was to characterize dietary patterns by depressive symptom severity in adolescents. Youth aged 13 to 17 years clinically diagnosed with a depressive disorder (n = 30) completed a dietary interview, food frequency questionnaire, and phlebotomy. Rating scales and questionnaires assessed depression severity and comorbid behavioral disorders. Results found that habitual eating patterns varied among participant subgroups by depression severity. In-school versus summer break status further affected eating patterns within subgroups. Results support the need for dietary assessment and monitoring of youth who are depressed. Future clinical interventions should be conducted to determine whether dietary changes could improve nutritional status and psychological outcomes in youth with depression.