Psychiatric Disorders

Ketogenic diets in clinical psychology: examining the evidence and implications for practice

Despite the increased use of psychotropic medications, the global burden of mental illness continues to rise, highlighting the need for innovative treatments. A recent review article explored ketogenic diets as a potential therapy for mental illness, focusing on their biological mechanisms and relevance to mental health care.

The paper highlights the potential of ketogenic metabolic therapy as a therapeutic option for psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ketogenic diets, historically used to treat epilepsy, may address metabolic imbalances that contribute to psychiatric conditions by improving brain energy metabolism, reducing inflammation, and stabilizing neurotransmitters.

Despite these benefits, ketogenic diets are underutilized in clinical settings, largely confined to nutritionists and dietitians. This paper encourages clinical psychologists to support ketogenic dietary interventions as part of a broader biopsychosocial approach to mental health care. The authors also emphasize the need for additional research and specialized training for psychologists to facilitate the successful application of this approach.