Extensive evidence now supports diet quality as an independent risk factor for common mental health problems across countries, cultures, and age groups. Experimental evidence also shows that dietary improvement can treat even severe clinical depression. This knowledge is now reflected in clinical guidelines. Mechanisms are many and relate particularly to the human microbiota. There is enormous potential for both clinical and public health interventions focused on nutrition for the prevention and treatment of mental, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders, including new possibilities for precision medicine.
Event information
Primary Health Tasmania and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists invite GPs and Psychiatrists from Tasmania to join us for a presentation by Prof Felice Jacka where she will explore the latest evidence in Nutritional Psychiatry, with a focus on practical, evidence-based strategies that support brain health through dietary change. It will also examine the broader implications for prevention, early intervention, and precision medicine in mental health care. Prof David Castle will be facilitating an interactive Q&A as part of the evening and there will be an opportunity for networking over dinner.
For RANZCP Fellows, Affiliates and RANZCP TAS Trainees, Please click here to register from RANZCP.
RACGP and ACCRM accreditation pending.
Learning outcomes:
- Describe the relationship between diet quality, the gut microbiome, and common mental health conditions.
- Interpret current evidence on the role of dietary patterns in the prevention and management of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.
- Discuss how nutritional interventions can complement a biopsychosocial, patient-centred approach to mental health in general practice.
Important Information for GPs: 30 tickets are available for Tasmanian GPs on a first-come, first-served basis. If demand exceeds the maximum allocation, those affected will be on waiting list for further consideration depending upon the venue capacity.
If you are unable to attend the conference, please cancel your attendance in writing by email to spaudel@primaryhealthtas.com.au. This will ensure other GPs don’t miss out.
Speaker Information:
Prof Felice Jacka OAM
Deakin Distinguished Professor Felice Jacka OAM is internationally recognized as a leader in the rapidly developing field of research focused on Nutritional Psychiatry and is the founder and immediate-past president of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR). She is also founder and director of the Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University. She is the author of the book ‘Brain Changer’ through Pan Macmillan in Australia and Yellow Kite Books in the UK (2019) and ‘There’s a Zoo in my Poo’, published by Pan Macmillan in July 2020. She is a Clarivate Highly Cited researcher (2020-24), putting her in the top 0.1% of scientists worldwide. In 2021 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (Queen’s honour) for her contributions to Nutritional Psychiatry.
Professor David Castle
David is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Tasmania and Co-Director of the Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation. Previous positions include inaugural Scientific Director of the Centre for Complex Interventions at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, University of Toronto and Professor of Psychiatry St Vincent’s Health and The University of Melbourne.
His wide clinical and research interests include schizophrenia and related disorders, bipolar disorder, cannabis abuse, OCD spectrum disorders and disorders of body image. He has a longstanding interest in the impact of licit and illicit substances on the brain and body and is actively engaged in programmes addressing the physical health of the mentally ill and the mental health of the physically ill. He has published nearly 900 papers and chapters; and over 25 books.