Effect of Diet on Depression in Adolescents

The present study investigated the influence of dietary pattern on depression and also gender effects of depression. A sample of 300 adolescent (150 boys and 150 girls) from Kumaun hills of Uttrakhand state were selected who were taking traditional and mixed food comprise of traditional food with processed food. Dietary pattern were assessed by FFQ and symptoms of depression was tested by IPAT Depression Scale of Krug & Laughlin. Analysis of data indicates that the dietary pattern do not affect the depression symptom, though gender difference for depressive symptoms was significant. Dietary pattern comprised of local millets and vegetables where the study conducted was the reason for less depressed adolescents