Ketogenic Therapy in Serious Mental Illness: Emerging Evidence
Zóltan Sarnyai, Christopher Palmer
Abstract
[Extract] We have read the recent review article on the potential application of induced ketosis in psychiatry by Morris et al. (Morris et al., 2020) with great interest and shared enthusiasm. It is quite encouraging to see that others are recognizing the exciting potential of the ketogenic diet and other ketogenic therapies in the treatment of serious mental disorders. As with all research, however, it is important to be aware of what existing evidence is already accumulated. This is particularly pertinent as such published evidence further strengthens the case for induced ketosis in psychiatry proposed as “food for thought” (Morris et al., 2020). In this Commentary, we aim to fill this gap by providing a brief overview of the published preclinical and clinical evidence that clearly supports the advancement of ketogenic therapies in a variety of psychiatric disorders, especially in psychosis (Figure 1).