2026 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 379-383
Background: In schizophrenia, chronic psychiatric symptoms may coexist with unbalanced dietary patterns characterized by excessive carbohydrate intake and insufficient protein consumption. Such nutritional imbalance may exacerbate reduced motivation, impaired cognitive function, and emotion al dysregulation through mechanisms involving neurotransmitter synthesis and glycemic regulation. Nutritional psychiatry has suggested that correction of dietary patterns may contribute to symptom stabilization.
Case: A 63-year-old man with schizophrenia had long consumed sweetened beverages, confectione ry, and refined carbohydrates, with marked insufficiency of protein and micronutrients. From year X, dietary counseling and supplementation with vitamin C, iron, B vitamins, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and minerals were initiated. From year X+1, improvements i n motivation and conversational engagement were observed. By year X+2, enhanced self-regulation of sweet intake emerged, and by year X+3, spontaneity, judgment, and social consideration impro ved.
Conclusion: This single case suggests that long-standing unbalanced dietary patterns may be assoc iated with exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, and that systematic dietary and nutritional support may be associated with improvements in motivation and social adaptation in schizophrenia.
