Background and Objectives: Several studies have indicated the protective effect of Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (MDP) in psychological disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between adherence to the MDP with depression, anxiety and stress among adolescent girls in Tehran.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 280 high-school female adolescents aged 15-18 years in Tehran were selected using the multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Usual dietary intake during the past year was assessed by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the MDP was characterized using MSDPS (Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern Score). The subscale scores of psychological disorders were determined by DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Score-21 items) questionnaire. The Post Hoc Bonferroni test was used to compare the mean score of each psychological subscale between the highest and lowest quintiles of MSDPS.

Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, depression subscale score in the fifth quintile of MSDPS was significantly lower than in the first quintile (the difference between the first and fifth quintiles = -4.72, 95% CI= -9.67-0.22, P=0.04). However, no other significant relationship was found between the first and fifth quintile of MSDPS regarding to the anxiety and stress subscale scores.

Conclusion: Adherence to the MDP can be associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Mediterranean dietary pattern, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Female adolescents