Metabolic Psychiatry is a new field of research, with a handful of practicing clinicians, for those with varying psychiatric conditions. The application of Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy is safe and shows promise as an efficacious therapy for some mental health conditions. When initiated correctly with a specialised practitioner, some people with their psychiatrists support are tapering down and even eliminating their psychiatric medications as their symptoms improve. There are case studies, case series and pilot trials published in the literature showing positive results even for those with ‘treatment-resistant’ depression, biploar and schizophrenia. There are currently over 12 RCT’s in progress.

Therapeutic carbohydrate restriction via Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy (KMT) has always been the central focus in my research and clinical work. I am focused on reaching nutritional and therapeutic ketosis with my clients depending on their presentation and needs. I focus on education and collaboration with clients, encouraging them to understand how KMT works and how their body responds to the ketogenic state using CGMs and ketone tracking devices. Once the diet has been implemented correctly and target ketone levels have been reached, I begin to work on other lifestyle interventions with KMT as the foundation. Over time, KMT will improve metabolic health, and reduce insulin resistance commonly seen in those taking psychiatric medications and for many, it can improve psychiatric symptoms too. 

Erin Louise Bellamy will present a case study from her clinical work of over 50 clients. A male with treatment resistant schizophrenia. Initial score of 25 on the PHQ9 and 17 on the GAD7 which indicates severe depression and anxiety. So severe that it required immediate action from the mental health system. After three months of KMT his score is now 2 on the PHQ9 and 4 on the GAD7, indicating low to no depression or anxiety.