Nutritional Psychology and Nutritional Psychiatry: Emerging Insights and Interventions

Submission Deadline: 30 June 2026 View: 397 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Assist. Prof. Emilia Vassilopoulou

Email: vassilopoulouemilia@gmail.com

Affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, International Hellenic University, Greece; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, Universiy of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus

Homepage:

Research Interests: nutritional psychology; nutritional immunology

Dr. Anastasios Papalazarou

Email: anpapalazarou@gmail.com

Affiliation: International Hellenic University, Greece

Homepage:

Research Interests: nutrition in mental well-being; behavioral nutrition

Dr. Dimitris Z. Efthymiou

Email: dimitrisefthy@gmail.com

Affiliation: Nous Thrapy Center, Thessaloniki, 54621, Greece

Homepage:

Research Interests: psychopharmacology; schema therapy; psychodynamic psychotherapy; cognitive analytic therapy; group psychotherapy; supportive psychotherapy

Mrs. Ephi Morphew-Lu

Email: ephilu@nutritional-psychology.org

Affiliation: The Center for Nutritional Psychology, San Jose, United States

Homepage:

Research Interests: nutritional psychology; mood; behavior;  cognition; perception; psychosocial; interoception; interdisciplinary

Summary

Nutritional psychology and nutritional psychiatry are rapidly evolving fields that explore the profound impact of diet on mental health and emotional well-being. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and the gut-brain axis play key roles in the development, prevention, and management of various psychological and psychiatric conditions. From mood and anxiety disorders to cognitive function and stress resilience, nutrition is increasingly recognized as both a contributing factor and a potential therapeutic avenue in mental health care.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and clinical perspectives that examine the connections between nutrition, brain function, and behavior. Topics of interest include the role of dietary interventions in depression and anxiety, the influence of the microbiome on mental health, the effects of ultra-processed foods on cognition and mood, and the application of immunonutrition in psychiatric care. Contributions from interdisciplinary fields—such as psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and nutritional science—are encouraged.

By advancing the dialogue between nutrition and mental health, this issue seeks to inform holistic, integrative approaches to psychological well-being and psychiatric treatment.

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