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Lifestyle psychiatry: A conceptual framework for application in mental healthcare and support
The role of lifestyle-related behaviors—including sedentary habits, poor nutrition, inadequate physical activity, disrupted sleep, and substance use—has become increasingly acknowledged as critical to understanding the onset and persistence of mental health disorders. The recognition of lifestyle interventions in enhancing mental well-being has gained traction, with growing evidence highlighting their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. As a result, these methods are now incorporated into international guidelines and endorsed by reputable health organizations as components of ‘lifestyle psychiatry’.
However, despite these advancements, the application of lifestyle interventions in mental health care remains limited. A significant barrier to their broader adoption is the absence of a unified conceptual framework for lifestyle psychiatry. This lack of consensus contributes to inconsistent practices and research, which in turn creates ambiguity regarding the role of these interventions in health policy and patient support.
To address these challenges, this article introduces a comprehensive framework for lifestyle psychiatry. Developed collaboratively by 43 contributors from 15 countries with diverse expertise encompassing clinical, academic, policy, and lived experiences, the framework delineates essential domains and identifies specific challenges related to behavior change among mental health populations. It champions a multilevel approach that prioritizes equity and aligns with person-centered and recovery-oriented care principles. The goal is to establish a shared reference point to facilitate the effective integration of lifestyle psychiatry into mental health services. [NPID: lifestyle intervention, conceptual framework, lifestyle psychiatry]
Year: 2026
