Lifestyle psychiatry: a conceptual framework for application in mental healthcare and support
Deenik J, Vermeulen J M, Teasdale S B, Schuch F B, Marx W, Perry B, Diez G G, Castellanos N, Elshazly M, Gatera G, Waugh M, Hepsomali P, Bueno-Antequera J, Borrueco Sánchez J, Lopez Moral A, López-Sánchez C, Oviedo Caro M A, Dejonge M, Noortman C, van Schothorst M, den Bleijker N, Scrivano L, Noordsy D L, Fabian H, Jachyra P, Chapman J, Merlo G, Manger S, O’neill A, Machaczek K K, Ardill-Young O, Ramírez P, Matthews E, Lambert J, Firth J, Hassan L, Jacka F N, Ward P, Stubbs B, Cahn W, Rosenbaum S, Vancampfort D, Firth J (2025) BMJ Mental Health 28:e301980 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2025-301980
Web URL: Read this research on BMJ Journals
Abstract:
Lifestyle-related behaviours—such as sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, disrupted sleep and substance use—are increasingly recognised as important factors in the onset and persistence of mental illness.Evidence for the efficacy and cost-efficiency of lifestyle interventions in mental health is growing, and such approaches are now embedded in international guidelines and endorsed by major health organisations and associations as ‘lifestyle psychiatry’.
Nevertheless, despite this progress, these interventions remain underused in mental healthcare and support.
One contributing factor is the lack of a shared conceptual understanding of ‘lifestyle psychiatry’, which risks fragmented practice, inconsistency in research and uncertainty around its role in policy, care and support.
This paper presents a conceptual framework for lifestyle psychiatry, developed through an iterative, collaborative process involving 43 contributors across 15 countries, representing clinical, academic, policy and lived experience expertise.
The framework defines core domains, outlines key challenges to behaviour change specific to mental health populations and emphasises multilevel and equity-oriented approaches.
It aligns with person-centred and recovery-oriented care and serves as a shared reference point for practical application and future development. With this, we aim to support the structured, context-sensitive integration of lifestyle psychiatry into mental healthcare and support.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Nutrition and diet - along with other basic 'lifestyle' factors such as exercise, sleep, and living & working conditions - play a key role in mental health conditions of all kinds.The importance of these basics is also now acknowledged by most leading health organisations worldwide - if not embedded in their recommendations.
However, despite abundant evidence and recommendations in support of diet and lifetyle changes as part of the management of mental healt, very little has been done to incorporate this into standard practice in psychiatry and allied areas.
- which is why leading international experts have now published this new review, with a framework on how the introduction of diet and lifestyle changes can be implemented in a sensitive and conext-dependent way.
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