Summary:
A substantial population of people worldwide suffer with severe mental disorders like schizophrenia (24 million) and bipolar disorder (50 million). While evidence-based medical treatments exist, some individuals encounter treatment resistance or significant metabolic side effects, leading to non-adherence. Additionally, traditional medications may diminish life expectancy among vulnerable groups. This 4-month pilot study investigated the effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) on individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and metabolic issues. Findings showed improvements in metabolic health, including weight, body-mass-index, and triglyceride levels. Psychiatric outcomes revealed reductions in symptom severity, increased life satisfaction, and improved sleep quality. Participants with schizophrenia in particular showed an average of 32% improvement. The study suggests that KD could be beneficial as a supplementary treatment for serious mental illnesses
Abstract:
The ketogenic diet (KD, also known as metabolic therapy) has been successful in the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and epilepsy. More recently, this treatment has shown promise in the treatment of psychiatric illness. We conducted a 4–month pilot study to investigate the effects of a KD on individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with existing metabolic abnormalities. Twenty–three participants were enrolled in a single–arm trial. Results showcased improvements in metabolic health, with no participants meeting metabolic syndrome criteria by study conclusion. Adherent individuals experienced significant reduction in weight (12 %), BMI (12 %), waist circumference (13 %), and visceral adipose tissue (36 %). Observed biomarker enhancements in this population include a 27 % decrease in HOMA–IR, and a 25 % drop in triglyceride levels. In psychiatric measurements, participants with schizophrenia showed a 32 % reduction in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores. Overall Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity improved by an average of 31 %, and the proportion of participants that started with elevated symptomatology improved at least 1–point on CGI (79 %). Psychiatric outcomes across the cohort encompassed increased life satisfaction (17 %) and enhanced sleep quality (19 %). This pilot trial underscores the potential advantages of adjunctive ketogenic dietary treatment in individuals grappling with serious mental illness.
Article Publication Date: 27/03/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115866
