Is a Ketogenic Diet Effective For Adolescent Mental Health?

Pediatric and adolescent mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, are reaching alarming levels and affecting millions worldwide. While the causes are still being explored, one potential contributing factor is the rising metabolic health epidemic, fueled by a harmful food environment. With current treatment options often coming with challenging side effects and failing to provide lasting relief, many families are turning to innovative, evidence-based solutions to support their children’s well-being and long-term development. In this interview, Dr. Lori Calabrese, a board-certified psychiatrist, shares her pioneering work in youth mental health care and discusses her experiences implementing ketogenic therapies in children and young adults. In this interview, you’ll learn: What’s the difference between ketogenic therapy for adults vs. children? How to introduce ketogenic therapy to children and young adults The importance of having families on board with ketogenic therapy How to help children and young adults adhere to ketogenic therapies Everyone deserves access to better mental health care, especially the young minds that hold the future to our society. Expert Featured: Dr. Lori Calabrese X: @loricalabresemd LoriCalabreseMD.com Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry. Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/ About us: Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them. Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.