Enfermedades mentales y nutrición saludable. Nuevas alternativas para su tratamiento

The so-called common mental disorders (depressive and anxiety disorders) are very common pathologies among the population and their impact is very striking on the affected people. The prevalence of these disorders will be reviewed, as well as the classic and other novel treatments based on nutrition. WHO estimates that depression affects 4.4% and anxiety disorders 3.6% of the world's population. Classic treatments are mainly based on the combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants and anxiolytics. However, the unpleasant side-effects of these drugs reduce patients' adherence, decreasing their efficacy and increasing the chronicity of the disease. Since the discovery of the brain-gut-microbiota axis and the bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the central nervous system, most recent researches are focusing on the influence of the diet on the mood. In this way, scientific evidences have been collected promoting the use of nutraceuticals as possible adjuvants for the treatment of mental disorders. These kinds of nutraceuticals are based on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics. The latest trends explore the field of insects as source of active ingredients for mental health. Although more studies are needed in this field, there are already clear evidences supporting nutraceuticals as an alternative treatment for depression and anxiety.