The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health
Brittany Abeldt
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that individuals with mental illness have significant food insecurity. These studies have also shown how food insecurity results in increased health care utilization. The present article reviews existing literature on the bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and poor mental health outcomes, as well as interventions currently used to address food insecurity. The author calls for further research on this topic to reduce food insecurity in populations of individuals with mental illness and to guide mental health providers on how to recognize and address food insecurity among their patients.
Topics & Concepts
Food insecurityMental healthPsychological interventionEnvironmental healthMental illnessPsychologyFood securityMedicinePsychiatryGeographyAgricultureArchaeologyFood Security and Health in Diverse PopulationsHomelessness and Social IssuesChild Nutrition and Feeding Issues