A man in his 20s had severely disabling, treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder despite taking three antipsychotics at or near the maximum dose. He was unable to work, live on his own, or even leave the house due to extreme paranoia.
Ever since undertaking a medically supervised diet, however, “he’s had a dramatic improvement in cognition, function, and so many aspects of his life,” psychiatrist Christopher M. Palmer, M.D., founder and director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program at McLean Hospital, told Psychiatric News. The patient has lost 160 pounds, significantly reduced his medication intake, and is now able to teach karate classes, take the bus, read books, and even complete a certificate program.
What was the transformative diet in question? The patient has been following a strict ketogenic diet that derives at least 70% of its calories from fat and just 10% from carbohydrates, along with moderate amounts of protein.
Read more on Psychiatric News.
