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Measuring the effects of ketogenic diet on neuropsychiatric disorder: A scoping review.

Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry
January 10, 2025
Wali Yousufzai et al. (9 authors)
Scoping ReviewJournal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to examine the ketogenic diet's efficiency as a potential therapeutic intervention for various neuropsychiatric disorders.

Results Summary

The review found that the ketogenic diet showed improvements in symptoms across multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, autism, and depressive disorders, but the evidence was heterogeneous, indicating a need for further rigorous research.

Population

Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., ADHD, autism, depressive disorders, seizure disorders).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (11)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
ketogenic diet
increase
Global Developmental Delay
-
-
improvements in
#1
ketogenic diet
increase
Childhood Autism
-
-
improvements in
#2
ketogenic diet
increase
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms
-
-
improvements in
#3
ketogenic diet
increase
psychotic symptoms
-
-
improvements in
#4
ketogenic diet
increase
Bipolar and Related Disorders
-
-
improvements in
#5
ketogenic diet
increase
Depressive Disorder symptoms
-
-
improvements in
#6
ketogenic diet
increase
anxiety symptoms
-
-
improvements in
#7
ketogenic diet
increase
eating disorders
-
-
improvements in
#8
ketogenic diet
increase
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
-
-
improvements in
#9
ketogenic diet
increase
Major and Mild Neurocognitive Disorders
-
-
improvements in
#10
ketogenic diet
increase
Seizure Disorders
-
-
improvements in
#11
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to examine the available literature on the ketogenic diet's (KD) efficiency as a potential therapeutic intervention for various neuropsychiatric disorders. INTRODUCTION: The KD is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been studied for its potential benefits in managing neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the extent of its effectiveness across a spectrum of these conditions remains unclear. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The study designs considered eligible encompassed randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, retrospective and prospective observational studies, and comparative effectiveness assessments. The criteria for including each study were specifically related to neuropsychiatric disorders, referring to the DSM-5 coding guidelines. METHODS: A systemic search was performed by an experienced reference librarian across multiple databases to pinpoint studies relevant to the influence of the ketogenic diet on neuropsychiatric disorders. All relevant articles were included that ranged over the last thirteen years. All relevant records identified were compiled into the Covidence systematic review software. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies were reviewed, which reported effects of the KD on neuropsychiatric disorders, including improvements in Global Developmental Delay, Childhood Autism, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, psychotic symptoms, Bipolar and Related Disorders, Depressive Disorder symptoms, anxiety symptoms, eating disorders, Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders, Major and Mild Neurocognitive Disorders, and Seizure Disorders. CONCLUSION: The KD may serve as a promising therapeutic intervention for various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the evidence is heterogeneous, and further rigorous research is needed to establish the KD as a standard treatment for these disorders and to understand the underlying mechanisms of its effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This review underscores the need for healthcare professionals to consider the potential benefits and limitations of the KD when managing patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. It also highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans based on the specific needs and responses of each patient.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansDiet, KetogenicMental Disorders
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.60
Normalized Score0.66
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