Study at University of Maryland Shows Training Improves Confidence in Ketogenic Therapy for Mental Health

Ketogenic metabolic therapy typically consists of approximately 75% of calories from fat, 20% from protein, and less than 10% from carbohydrates. This dietary shift enables the body to transition from glucose to ketones as its primary energy source, which may help alleviate neurological and psychiatric symptoms resistant to standard medications. The Epilepsy Foundation recognizes the ketogenic diet as the standard treatment for children who have seizures uncontrolled by traditional medications. Recent investigations suggest its potential as an adjunct treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression in patients who have not responded to conventional therapies.

Dr. Deanna L. Kelly, the study's lead investigator and director of the MPRC, stated the initiative was prompted by rapidly advancing science around this therapy. She emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to understand both benefits and challenges as new data emerge.

The pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of the Live It ~ Launch It training program, funded by the Baszucki Group. It enrolled 40 healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other health experts from across the United States. Participants engaged in a four-hour online course covering ketogenic therapy fundamentals, various dietary strategies, and potential side effects.

Following this, participants had the choice to experience the ketogenic diet first-hand during a four-week program, with 25 opting in. They received guidance from registered dietitians and physician nutrition specialists as part of a cohort.

Findings indicated that this dual approach—education and personal experience—significantly increased participants' confidence in discussing the therapy’s benefits and risks with patients facing challenging mental health disorders. Participants also reported a better understanding of adherence challenges and felt more prepared to engage in shared decision-making with their patients, including collaborating with nutritionists.

Dr. Kelly noted that many individuals with schizophrenia grapple with weight gain and metabolic issues exacerbated by antipsychotic medications, which could heighten cardiovascular risks. A strategy that improves metabolic health while addressing psychiatric symptoms could significantly benefit patients and their families.

The researchers cautioned that the findings are preliminary and underscore the necessity for further studies to determine if this training leads to changes in clinical practice. They also emphasized the need for additional randomized controlled trials and long-term research to validate the efficacy and appropriate application of ketogenic diets in mental health.

Sidney Murray, a postdoctoral fellow and lead author, highlighted the importance of experiential learning, explaining that firsthand dietary experience significantly augmented clinicians' insights into the practical challenges their patients face. The research team is working on a companion paper assessing the health professionals' physical, mental, and nutritional health during the ketogenic diet phase, which may inform future training and studies aimed at implementing this therapy in routine mental health care.