Sarah Rice BSC. (Hons), Mcoptom (UK), MHP, NNP
Metabolic psychiatry explores the relationship between metabolism and mental health, using targeted therapies such as nutrition and lifestyle to improve conditions such as depression, anxiety and even serious psychiatric disorders.
By focusing on how metabolic processes affect brain function, this emerging field remodeles the way we understand and treat mental health. Could diet be the missing link in psychiatric care?
Ketogenic diet and epilepsy
Metabolic psychiatry is a sector that has faced significant growth in recent months. It is a rapidly growing field that offers hope to those who fight serious mental illnesses. A recent review Comments on the emerging evidence that the ketogenic diet is a feasible and well tolerated intervention (1). The ketogenic diet is a well -known intervention to treat epilepsy with a story dating back 100 years. Since the field of psychiatry also uses epilepsy drugs, it is no surprise that ketogenic interventions deliver positive results for mental health conditions (1, 2). The common pathophysiology of epilepsy and some psychiatric conditions add to the evidence that ketogenic applications may be useful in this condition. Various versions of the ketogenic diet have been developed for metabolic treatments, adapted to individual response and therapeutic targets, but for reference, the classic ketogen diet is about 80% fat, 15% protein and 5% carbohydrates (1).
The state of ketosis, as promoted by ketogenic metabolic therapy, has multiple therapeutic effects. In this metabolic state, thThe liver produces ketone bodies of fatty acids, which are used as an energy source. The brain glucose hypotolism appears to be a component of mental health disorders and ketone bodies are easily used by the brain as a source of energy. In addition, dietary ketosis promotes neurotransmitter regulation, reduces neuropharmacy, is neuroprotective and Treats metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance (1-5). In this way, a ketogenic approach can also be protective and improve the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs known to cause metabolic disorders (2).
Supported by science:
A recent pioneering study by Campbell et al. 26 participants with bipolar disorder were hired and used a modified ketogenic intervention over 6-8 weeks. This approach consists of macronutrient targets ranging from 60-75% fat and 5-7% of carbohydrates. The diet was modified on an individual basis to satisfy the ketones-target 1-4 mmol/l and plasma glucose 4-7.8 mmol/l. The results showed that this approach was feasible and improved metabolic health indicators. A positive correlation was observed between the daily levels of ketone and the mood and energy ratings (2).
Schizo -emotional disorder
Schizo -emotional disorder is another serious psychiatric condition that has been shown to respond to ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT) (3). Laurent et al. He investigated the effect of KMT on two people who had not responded to standard forms of drugs. Both people presented significant improvements In the first 6-8 weeks, with continuous improvements being monitored in 24 weeks. Both cases recession of their symptoms and failures were either complete or in progress at the time of follow -up (3). These results are supported by a recent preclinical study that demonstrates the ability of Ketone bodies to improve brain active (4).
Supported by science:
Other case study In February he saw the KMT produce a recession of the chronic large depressive disorder described as lifelong and resistant to treatment. In this case, the symptoms were severe and progressively over 25 years with no energy or the ability to handle ordinary responsibilities. Symptoms have quickly improved over a period of 8 weeks, with the PhQ-9 (patient health questionnaire) falling from 25 (severe) to 0 (recession). These changes were so deeply this person said: “I go back to school to get a master’s degree in diet science, the program starts next spring! I think my brain is ready to learn new things and that I can start a new career.”
These exciting results should give us hope that a better care model is on the horizon for those who face serious mental illnesses. While the complete recession may not be possible for all, further research is needed to evaluate generalization and the development of optimal practices for the implementation of this supplementary strategic treatment for those who wish to have access to it.
Note: Due to the effects of reinforcing ketogenic diet combined with psychiatric symptoms and possible interaction with medicines, there are imperative that people who wish to try this approach to do it under the Supervision of the Health Care Team. The additional support of professionals experiencing the application of ketogenic metabolic therapies is recommended.
Further reading can be found on the Metabolic Psychiatric Psychiatry page of the Nutrition Network Report. The Nutrition Network has several training units talking about mental health, including Metabolism and the mind & Keto for migraines, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease
- Boltri, M. et al. (2025) “KETO-Therapy: Revealing the potential of the ketogenic diet in psychiatric care-a review of the industry”, Nutritionp. 112710. Available in: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2025.112710. SUMMARY
- Campbell, ih et al. (2025) “A pilot study of a ketogenic diet in bipolar disorder: Clinical, metabolic and magnetic findings Bjpsych open11 (2), p. E34. Available in: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2024.841.
- Laurent, N., Bellamy, El, TAGUE, KA, et al. (2025) “Kitogenic Metabolic Therapy for schizo -emotional disorder: a retrospective series of cases of psychotic recession symptoms and mood recovery”, Borders in diet12, p. 1506304 Available in: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1506304.
- Huizer, K. et al. (2025) “The possible benefits of ketone therapy as a new immunomaturable treatment for schizophrenia”, Psychiatric research345, p. 116379 Available in: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116379.
- Laurent, N., Bellamy, El, Hristova, D., et al. (2025) “Kitogenic metabolic therapy in the release of chronic great depressive disorder: a retrospective case study”, Borders in diet12 Available in: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1549782.
