A recent pilot study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that a ketogenic diet may be beneficial for individuals with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who are taking antipsychotic medications. This study, published in Psychiatry Research, discovered that a ketogenic diet not only helps improve metabolic health in patients but also enhances their psychiatric conditions, suggesting that dietary interventions could be a valuable addition to traditional treatment methods. Dr. Shebani Sethi, a psychiatrist and the lead author of the study, observed a patient with schizophrenia whose symptoms improved on a ketogenic diet, prompting her to explore the potential benefits of this diet approach in treating mental health conditions.
The study included 21 adult participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who were taking antipsychotic medications and had metabolic abnormalities. They were instructed to follow a ketogenic diet with a specific breakdown of macronutrients and focusing on whole, non-processed foods. The participants were encouraged to not restrict fats and were provided with resources such as keto-friendly meal ideas, cookbooks, and access to a health coach. Throughout the trial, the research team monitored the participants’ adherence to the diet through weekly measures of blood ketone levels, with the majority of participants successfully following the diet.
After four months on the ketogenic diet, participants experienced significant improvements in their metabolic health, including weight loss, reduced waist circumference, lower blood pressure, triglycerides, blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance. Additionally, none of the participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome at the end of the trial. Psychiatric assessments showed a 31% improvement in mental health symptoms on average, with three-quarters of the group showing clinically meaningful improvement. Participants also reported better sleep, mood, energy levels, and overall life satisfaction. The findings suggest that a ketogenic diet could potentially help address both the physical and mental health challenges faced by individuals with serious mental illnesses.
The researchers believe that the metabolic deficits in the brain associated with psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may be improved by a ketogenic diet. By providing ketones as an alternative fuel source for the brain, the diet could help address energy dysfunction and improve brain health overall. The study aimed to identify signals that could guide the design of larger, more comprehensive studies in the future to further explore the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet as a treatment approach for mental illness. Dr. Sethi, who is spearheading the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, hopes to offer additional support and interventions to patients suffering from both mental illnesses and metabolic conditions.
Many patients with serious mental illnesses also struggle with obesity and metabolic syndrome, yet there are few studies examining the efficacy of interventions for this vulnerable population. Dr. Sethi’s clinic at Stanford Medicine focuses on addressing the complex interplay between mental health and metabolic health, aiming to provide holistic and effective treatments for individuals with overlapping health challenges. The promising results from the pilot study highlight the potential of dietary interventions, such as the ketogenic diet, in improving the health outcomes and overall well-being of individuals living with serious mental illnesses. This research could pave the way for new approaches to managing mental health conditions and metabolic disorders in a more integrated and comprehensive manner.
