Optimizing the Intensity of Lifestyle Medicine Interventions: Similar Outcomes for Half the Sessions

Efficacy of a multimodal lifestyle intervention (The Lift Project) for improving the mental health of individuals with an affective mood disorder living in South Africa

Background

Affective disorders are becoming more pervasive worldwide, including in Southern Africa, where treating patients with these conditions is challenging due to social and financial constraints. A variety of non-pharmacological approaches including lifestyle medicine (e.g., exercise, nutrition, sleep) and positive psychology practices (e.g., gratitude, service), are effective for treating mental health (MH) conditions.

Methods

Twenty-six individuals from South Africa with a diagnosed MH condition participated in a 10-week multimodal intervention incorporating a diverse range of non-pharmacological strategies for improving MH. MH metrics were assessed pre-and post-intervention, including general MH, vitality/energy (VIT), depression, anxiety, stress, and satisfaction with life. MH and VIT were also measured weekly.

Results

Improvements were observed in all mental metrics from pre-to post-intervention: MH (59%, p < 0.001, Cohen's D = 1.36), VIT (110%, p < 0.001, Cohen's D = 1.71), depression (-46%, p < 0.001, Cohen's D = -1.06), anxiety (-48%, p < 0.001, Cohen's D = -1.21), stress (-36%, p < 0.001, Cohen's D = -1.08) and life satisfaction (23%, p < 0.001, Cohen's D = 0.66). Significant improvements in MH and VIT were observed after only 1 week of the intervention and progressively increased until the seventh week, after which further improvements were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The findings of this cohort study indicate that a multimodal intervention that incorporates lifestyle and positive psychology practices may benefit individuals living with an affective disorder. Non-pharmacological, multimodal interventions might offer a stigma-free way of providing MH promotion and treatment at a population level.