Ketogenic therapy, commonly in the form of a keto diet, is often known for having more “side benefits” than “side effects.” However, it is a powerful medical intervention and, as such, not entirely without risks. In some instances, individuals transitioning onto a keto diet to treat a mental health condition, like bipolar or schizophrenia, can experience symptoms of hypomania.
There are many strategies to increase the safety of keto and mitigate potential risks, including slowly easing into a ketogenic diet, monitoring sleep, having a bridge medication available, and always having expert guidance from a clinical care team.
In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher discusses the risk of hypomania with two experts in the metabolic psychiatry field: Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of the groundbreaking book, Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind, Dr. Georgia Ede, and Nicole Laurent, LMHC, a counselor who trains non-prescribers on assisting patients with ketogenic therapy. According to Dr. Ede, hypomania and other unwanted psychiatric symptoms are uncommon when implementing ketogenic therapy. She recommends that people not allow these risks to dissuade them from trying this form of treatment.
Featured in this episode:
Georgia Ede, MD
https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/
Twitter: @georgiaedemd
Order Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mind
Nicole Laurent, LMHC
https://www.mentalhealthketo.com
Twitter @KetoCounselor
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/
About us:
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
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