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Research Priorities in Lifestyle Psychiatry: Outcomes from the 2026 Australian Lifestyle Psychiatry Symposium

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Background: Evidence supporting lifestyle-based mental healthcare has expanded, but translation into routine services requires coordinated research on effectiveness, safety, implementation, scalability, and equity. A shared research agenda could help guide this work in Australia. Aims: To identify researcher- and clinician-informed priorities for advancing lifestyle psychiatry in Australia over the next decade. Method: A modified nominal group technique was used with 58 researchers and clinicians at the inaugural Australian Lifestyle Psychiatry Symposium in Melbourne on 19 March 2026. Independent priority generation, facilitated discussion, and two anonymous voting rounds informed thematic synthesis. Previously co-developed lived experience priorities informed deliberations, and the final agenda was circulated to attendees for review and approval. Results: 58 participants voted in round one on 39 group-generated priority statements. The top 18 priorities were shortlisted and consolidated into 16 for a second vote completed by 43 participants. Eleven priorities were selected, retaining both statements tied at 10 th place, and grouped into four themes: identifying high-quality standardised evidence; evaluating and actioning implementation; understanding scalability; and identifying equitable implementation strategies. Priorities addressed effectiveness, tailoring, harms, workforce training, routine-care implementation, digital delivery, economic evaluation, partnerships, and adaptations for disadvantaged communities, diverse populations, and reproductive stages. Conclusions: The priorities provide an Australian researcher- and clinician-informed agenda for studying effective, sustainable, and equitable lifestyle psychiatry. Broader stakeholder involvement and periodic reassessment are needed to strengthen its relevance and support coordinated research investment.

Source: Research Square

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-11601611/v1

Authors: Lara K. Radovic, Rebecca Orr, Wolfgang Marx

Institution: Deakin University

Language: English

Topic: Health Policy Implementation Science

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Deakin University, National Health and Medical Research Council