Ketogenic metabolic therapy in the remission of chronic major depressive disorder: a retrospective case study

Frontiers in Nutrition, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

There is limited evidence describing the use of ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT), also known as a diet (KD), to achieve full remission treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) in real-world clinical settings. This case study examines 47-year-old woman with lifelong MDD who achieved complete symptoms and improved functioning through diet. The patient engaged KMT 1.5:1 macronutrient ratio under supervision treatment team consisting medical professional, psychotherapist, ketogenic-informed nutrition professional an online program that provided both individual group support. Interventions included dietary modifications, micronutrient supplementation, participation coaching program. Outcomes were assessed using validated tools for symptom severity, including PHQ-9 depression GAD-7 anxiety, at baseline, 2 months, 4 months post-intervention. Qualitative data on experiences functional improvements collected. within 8 weeks initiating KMT, scores decreasing from 25 (severe depression) baseline 0 2- 4-month assessments. decreased 3 (minimal anxiety) over same period. findings revealed significant emotional regulation, energy levels, cognitive function. demonstrates potential non-pharmacological intervention achieving MDD. These suggest further research evaluate feasibility, efficacy, broader applicability diverse

Language: Английский

Understanding the experiences of ketogenic metabolic therapy for people living with varying levels of depressive symptoms: a thematic analysis

Frontiers in Nutrition, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: June 6, 2024

Background Evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet (KD) may help to alleviate psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Positive changes have been reported such as improvements in cognition, concentration, sleep, reduction hunger, an increase well-being, energy, confidence, resilience. This research aims understand the impact of non-calorie-restricted KD on aspects psychological well-being those with varying degrees depressive symptoms. Though there are few studies directly exploring experiences following KD, this will be first study explore narrative from mental health viewpoint. Method A sample nine participants who had followed non-calorie restricted intervention 50 g carbohydrates or less per day for at least 12 weeks were recruited. Participants split into ‘healthy adults’ group no low symptoms ‘depressive symptoms’ mild moderate reflexive thematic analysis was considered suitable study. Findings Five core themes 24 subthemes created. These were, (1) Poor prior program; (2) Hunger cravings-the food mood connection; (3) Psychological improvements; (4) It becomes lifestyle; (5) Implementation difficulties. experienced increased self-esteem, motivation, achievement. Some more control life greater sense reward. Those initially self-worth hopelessness later self-esteem renewed meaning purpose life. The findings reflect previous reports implementation can difficult initially, but soon easy follow turns lifestyle. Conclusion In literature, very qualitative accounts lived KD. From participants’ study, it appears benefits positive outcomes outweigh any negative side-effects experienced. is encouraging looking adjunctive therapies address improve their overall health.

Language: Английский