In a recent address at The Heritage Foundation, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked controversy by asserting that a Harvard psychiatrist had “cured schizophrenia” using a ketogenic diet. Experts have swiftly countered this claim, emphasising the lack of robust scientific evidence to support such a definitive statement, while acknowledging that a ketogenic diet may indeed hold potential benefits for mental health conditions.
Misrepresentation of Research
Kennedy Jr.’s remarks appear to reference Dr. Christopher Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist who has studied the effects of the ketogenic diet on mental health. However, Dr. Palmer clarified, “I have never once used the word ‘cure’ in my work. I have never claimed to have cured any mental illness, including schizophrenia.” Instead, he noted that while the ketogenic diet may induce remission of symptoms in some cases, it is not a cure.
The ketogenic diet, characterised by a high-fat, low-carbohydrate intake, diverges significantly from the diet Kennedy advocates, which encourages increased consumption of red meat and dairy. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of Kennedy Jr.’s claims and the potential misinterpretation of scientific findings.
The Evidence Behind Keto and Mental Health
Dr. Palmer’s research, which includes two case reports published in *Schizophrenia Research* in 2019, demonstrated that two women with long-standing schizophrenia noticed an improvement in their symptoms while adhering to a ketogenic diet for unrelated health issues. However, Palmer emphasised that these findings are preliminary and stem from uncontrolled case studies, which inherently carry risks of bias and cannot establish definitive conclusions.
He cautioned against discontinuing psychiatric medications without medical supervision, recounting a distressing incident involving one patient who abruptly stopped her medications, resulting in severe psychosis and a lengthy hospitalisation. This highlights the importance of careful management when considering dietary interventions.
Growing Interest in Ketogenic Research
Despite the controversy surrounding Kennedy Jr.’s statements, interest in the ketogenic diet as a treatment for psychiatric disorders is on the rise. Historically, the diet has been used to treat epilepsy since the 1920s but saw a resurgence in the 1990s for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Now, researchers are conducting around 20 controlled trials to explore keto’s efficacy for various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Dr. Deanna Kelly, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland, explained that the ketogenic diet alters mitochondrial function, potentially offering therapeutic benefits. “Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to nearly all psychiatric disorders,” she noted.
At the University of Edinburgh, researchers are utilising brain imaging to delve deeper into the mechanisms by which the ketogenic diet may influence brain function. Initial studies have shown correlations between changes in brain chemistry and symptom relief, although the sample sizes remain small.
Practical Challenges of Keto
While the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet are significant, questions remain regarding its practicality as a long-term treatment option. Adhering to a diet that excludes staples like rice and bread can be challenging, and the financial burden of such a diet may also be prohibitive for many.
Sydney Murray, a post-doctoral researcher in Dr. Kelly’s lab, pointed out that individual responses to the ketogenic diet can vary significantly. This variability suggests that a more flexible approach might be feasible for some patients, although the long-term sustainability of the diet is still uncertain.
Dr. Palmer expressed optimism about the increasing visibility of the ketogenic diet in mental health discussions but voiced frustration over its politicisation. He warned that labelling the diet as a partisan treatment could hinder progress in understanding its potential benefits.
Why it Matters
The ongoing debate surrounding the ketogenic diet and its effects on mental health brings to light the complexities of dietary interventions in psychiatric care. While there is growing interest and preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefits, definitive conclusions remain elusive. As research continues, it is crucial to approach such topics with a balanced perspective, prioritising patient safety and scientific integrity above all else. The discourse surrounding dietary treatments must remain grounded in evidence-based practice to ensure that individuals seeking help receive the most reliable and effective care possible.
