Nutritional problems in People with Mental Disorders (ODGJ) are serious problems that require special attention in their treatment and recovery. Several factors that cause nutritional problems in ODGJ include eating disorders, side effects of psychotropic drugs, lack of understanding or attention to individual nutritional needs, and lack of social support. ODGJ who are isolated, shackled, or homeless tend to have poor to poor nutritional status, while patients who have received long-term drug therapy tend to be overweight. Data from the 2023 RSMM nutrition installation annual report shows that 22.5% of ODGJ patients treated at RSJMM Bogor with mild to severe malnutrition nutritional status are new ODGJ patients who have a history of being isolated or homeless. Meanwhile, patients with excess nutritional status amount to 19.7%, on average patients with a longer history of drug therapy. From the above explanation, it is important to remember that each ODGJ individual has unique nutritional needs, and the approach to managing their nutritional problems must be holistic and tailored to their specific needs.

Diet management for People with Mental Disorders (ODGJ) must consider several factors, such as underlying mental health conditions, the effects of psychotropic drugs on appetite, and specific nutritional needs to prevent or overcome malnutrition.

Principles of ODGJ Diet Management:

1. Consultation with the Care Team: It is important to involve psychiatrists, nutritionists, and other health care providers in planning the ODGJ diet. Each ODGJ individual has unique needs that need to be considered.
2. Education and Monitoring: Providing education to patients and families about the importance of a balanced diet and monitoring food intake can help promote good nutritional recovery.
3. Adjusting to Psychotropic Drugs: Some psychotropic drugs can affect appetite or metabolism, so the diet needs to be adjusted to address these side effects.
4. Rich in Nutrients: Ensure a diet rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and essential minerals such as vitamin B complex and omega-3, which can support mental health.
5. Weight Management: For ODGJ who experience weight problems (either overweight or underweight), the diet should be designed to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.
    

Paying attention to proper diet management is very important to support nutritional recovery and overall health for ODGJ. The nutritional needs of ODGJ are basically the same as the needs of healthy people as usual unless the patient has comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension. The need for macronutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrates as well as the need for micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals must be met. The uniqueness of the diet of ODGJ patients lies in the increased need for food ingredients that are higher in neurotransmitters to stimulate the repair of brain tissue. So choosing food sources high in essential fats such as omega 3, tryptophan, B complex, folic acid, tyrosine, histidine and choline is highly recommended for the diet of ODGJ patients. Examples are deep sea fish (mackerel, tuna, tuna), salmon, seafood, grains and also green vegetables.

Bibliography:

Annual Report of the Nutrition Installation of RSJ. Dr. Marzoeki Mahdi Bogor (2023).

Diet and Nutrition Therapy Guide / Indonesian Nutritionist Association and Indonesian Dietitian Association; editor, S. A. Budi Hartati … [et al.].-Ed. 4.-Jakarta: EGC, 2019.