Keto May Help with Treatment-Resistant Depression, at Least in the Short Term

On a foggy morning in London, eighteen-year-old Lucy barely crawled out of bed. Diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, she had endured countless antidepressant prescriptions, each failing to lift the heavy shroud enveloping her daily life. That is until her psychiatrist suggested she try something unconventional: a ketogenic diet. “It felt odd, becoming so mindful of fats when I had always been told to watch my carbs,” she recalled. But slowly, an unexpected energy began to emerge as she replaced her usual meals with avocados, salmon, and leafy greens.

A Study Worth Tasting

A recent study conducted by researchers at Oxford University dove into this very topic, exploring whether a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet could alleviate symptoms in adults suffering from treatment-resistant depression. The condition is characterized by persistent depressive symptoms that fail to improve after two different antidepressant treatments. “Understanding the link between diet and mental health is key. We wanted to explore how modifying one’s diet might offer a solution where traditional medications have fallen short,” said Dr. Min Gao, the lead researcher.

The Research Design

The study involved 88 participants assigned to either a ketogenic group or a control group following a phyto-centric diet for six weeks. Both groups improved their mood, but notable differences emerged. According to the findings:

• The ketogenic diet group experienced a reduction in depression scores by about 10 points on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
• The phyto group showed a slightly lesser improvement, dropping their scores by 8 points.
• A significant 25% of those on the keto diet achieved full remission, compared to just 9% in the control group.

Yet, at the 12-week follow-up, a troubling trend was observed: half of the participants in the keto group had abandoned the regimen. As Dr. Gao remarked, “This brings us to a critical question: are the benefits of the keto diet sustainable?”

Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Questions

While initial results were promising, the lasting effects of the ketogenic diet raised concerns. By the 12-week mark, the superiority of the diet evaporated; both groups showed gradual declines in their depressive symptoms without any recorded long-term benefits for those who had adhered to the keto lifestyle. “It is essential to stress that while our findings indicate modest short-term benefits, they do not equate to a panacea,” cautioned Dr. Gao.

Expert Opinions and Perspectives

Dr. Zishan Khan, a well-respected psychiatrist not involved in the research, highlighted the nuances of the findings. “This study is proof-of-concept that dietary interventions, including the ketogenic diet, can influence mood in treatment-resistant cases. However, they should not be considered replacements for established treatments,” he explained. “The two-point advantage on the PHQ-9 is not trivial, but it should not be overstated either.”

The nuances of mental health treatments often lead to divided opinions among experts. Many researchers point out that a comprehensive approach, including proper nutrition, medication, and therapy, remains the most promising path for managing depression.

A Broader Look at Diet and Mental Health

The intersection of nutrition and mental health is garnering increasing scrutiny, with myriad researchers investigating how dietary choices affect psychological well-being. Studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins may offer protective effects against mood disorders. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that participants consuming Mediterranean diets reported lower incidences of depression compared to their peers, demonstrating that dietary patterns can significantly influence mood and cognition.

With an influx of recent findings supporting the significance of diet, it raises the question: where does the ketogenic diet fit into the larger landscape of mental health treatments? “We’re peeling back the layers of understanding how our food choices can shape not only our physical health but our mental landscape as well,” Dr. Gao added. “This study further emphasizes that while the keto diet shows promise, more research is needed to understand its full capabilities.”

The Path Ahead

Moving forward, researchers plan to explore which specific populations might benefit most from dietary shifts, and how these benefits can be achieved safely and effectively. Dr. Gao emphasized the importance of tailored approaches: “We have just begun to scratch the surface in understanding how dietary choices can help frame mental health interventions. The path forward includes not only understanding, but also refining, making therapy accessible, acceptable, and sustainable for greater numbers of individuals.”

As Lucy continues her journey, she remains cautious but hopeful. “I can’t say if the keto diet changed everything for me, but for a while, I felt lighter, both physically and emotionally. The real challenge was sticking to it,” she mused. This sentiment captures the broader uncertainty that accompanies dietary interventions in mental health treatment—a pathway intermittently lightened by hope, yet fraught with the complexities of sustaining change.

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com