Can the Keto Diet Really Treat Schizophrenia? A Harvard Psychiatrist Weighs In
A Harvard psychiatrist has spoken out about the use of the keto diet for treating mental health conditions. Dr. Christopher M. Palmer, who has researched the diet's effects on schizophrenia, disputes claims that it can 'cure' the disorder. His work has drawn attention amid growing interest in dietary interventions for psychiatric care.
The debate follows a meeting between Palmer and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2024, which later linked to the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement. While some patients report improvements, experts warn the evidence remains limited and requires further study.
Dr. Palmer first explored the keto diet as a weight-loss tool for a patient with schizoaffective disorder. Unexpectedly, the patient's psychiatric symptoms improved, prompting deeper investigation. In 2019, he published a study on two schizophrenia patients who achieved 'complete remission' while following the diet.
Despite these cases, broader research is scarce. Around 20 clinical trials are now testing ketogenic therapies for psychiatric disorders, including two randomised controlled trials for schizophrenia. Yet no further studies on schizophrenia are currently planned beyond these. Dr. Paul S. Appelbaum, a psychiatry professor at Columbia University, calls the existing evidence 'very, very preliminary'.
Demand for the treatment is high, with thousands of Palmer's patients requesting it. However, few clinicians offer it due to concerns over safety and supervision. The American Psychiatric Association also views the approach as controversial, citing insufficient robust data. Palmer himself stresses that any dietary intervention must be closely monitored by medical professionals.
Palmer's connection to the keto diet debate gained wider attention after meeting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in September 2024. The encounter, hosted by Sen. Ron Johnson, later became tied to Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative. Palmer has since clarified that he did not anticipate this political association.
The keto diet's role in mental health treatment remains uncertain. While isolated cases show promise, experts agree that more rigorous research is needed before it can be widely recommended. For now, medical supervision is essential for anyone considering the diet as a psychiatric therapy.
