Metabolic Mind

Dr. Kirk Nylen, a neuropharmacology expert and Managing Director at Baszucki Group, shares groundbreaking insights on the ketogenic diet's potential for improving pediatric mental health, particularly in children with bipolar disorder. He discusses two ongoing studies: CABIN, a multi-site trial assessing ketogenic therapy, and a real-world pilot study by CMHRC. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions as youth mental health issues rise, highlighting how ketogenic interventions could enhance treatment options for clinicians.

Can you safely taper off psychiatric medications? And what are the potential harms of long-term psychiatric care?Laura Delano spent years as a professional patient, navigating psychiatric diagnoses, multiple medications, and a life defined by treatment.In this interview, Laura discusses her 13-year experience as a psychiatric patient, the impact of long-term medication use, and how she took control of her health to successfully taper off multiple psychiatric drugs.Now, as the founder of Inner Compass Initiative and author of Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance (available March 18, 2025), she’s dedicated to helping others navigate informed choices about psychiatric medications, diagnoses, and withdrawal.💡 In this episode, we cover:✅ Laura’s personal story of polypharmacy and its effects✅ The impact of long-term psychiatric medication✅ The challenges of tapering and withdrawal✅ How Laura has rebuilt her life beyond medications✅ How Laura built a nonprofit to support others on the same path✅ The role of diet, lifestyle, and community in mental health recovery✅ Why informed consent is crucial for psychiatric treatment decisions✅ The mission of Inner Compass InitiativeLaura’s new book Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance is available March 18, 2025.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This conversation includes discussion of suicidality and a suicide attempt. Please take care when watching.#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #Deprescribing #PsychiatricMedication #Tapering #MetabolicPsychiatryExpert Featured:Laura DelanoResources Mentioned:Inner Compass Initiativehttps://www.theinnercompass.org/Laura’a New Book: Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistancehttps://www.amazon.com/Unshrunk-Story-Psychiatric-Treatment-Resistance/dp/1984880489The Challenges of Going off Psychiatric Drugshttps://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/04/08/the-challenge-of-going-off-psychiatric-drugsCMEs Mentioned:Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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.

Brain Energy and metabolism appear to play critical roles in the development and treatment of psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. And emerging research suggests that our gene expression influences how our brain uses energy, thus linking the fields of genetics and metabolism.In this episode, Dr. Harry Pantazopoulos, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, joins Dr. Bret Scher to discuss fascinating new research into the relationship between gene expression and metabolism in serious mental illness.Dr. Pantazopoulos’ study reveals a fascinating insight: while metabolic dysfunction is a common feature of serious mental illnesses, each condition exhibits its own distinct patterns of altered gene expression that impacts metabolic function. This suggests that the underlying metabolic dysfunction in mental illness arises through different mechanisms unique to each disorder.In this interview you will learn: The benefits of studying metabolic function and gene expression of the amygdala Which genes show altered expression in each mental illness, and how these changes affect metabolism How shifting the brain’s energy source from glucose to ketones could offer a promising way to address changes in metabolic gene expression How these study findings could translate to targeted clinical careAlthough these findings are not yet ready to directly influence clinical psychiatric care models, they provide a critical foundation for future research aimed at tailoring metabolic therapies to the unique needs of each individual.Expert Featured:Harry Pantazopoulos, MDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-pantazopoulos-04460413/X: @HarryPantazopo1Studies Mentioned:Transcriptomic Analysis of the Amygdala in Subjects with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder Reveals Differentially Altered Metabolic PathwaysDifferentially Altered Metabolic Pathways in the Amygdala of Subjects with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive DisorderCMEs Mentioned:Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of HopeBrain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental IllnessFollow 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.

Is psychiatry stuck in the 19th century? For decades, psychiatry has relied on trial and error but is there a better way to provide precise, personalized, and preventative treatment?Dr. Alexander Niculescu, professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona and CEO of MindX Sciences, is at the cutting edge of transforming psychiatry into an objective, data-driven field. With blood tests evaluating specific biomarkers, doctors may now be able to measure mental health, better understand symptoms, and predict which treatments will work best.In this conversation, Dr. Niculescu explains how his research is helping reshape how we diagnose and treat mental illness allowing for a more personalized approach and potentially better outcomes. He shares research demonstrating how utilizing biomarkers can allow practitioners to better understand the current state of a patient’s mental health to assist in prevention and tailor both medications and lifestyle interventions for better outcomes.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why psychiatry is still practiced like 19th-century medicine and how to modernize itHow blood tests can pinpoint the right treatment for a patient including lifestyle interventions, medication choice, and dosingHow blood tests can identify the nuanced difference between mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder at a biological levelWhy these tests could be more reliable than genetic testingHow early screening could help prevent serious mental illnessThe future of personalized lifestyle recommendations for mental healthAt Metabolic Mind, we believe mental health care must evolve to incorporate metabolic interventions alongside innovative diagnostic tools. Our vision is a future where the metabolic health of every individual is assessed and addressed with evidence-based interventions, leading to improved mental health for all.Expert Featured:Dr. Alexander Niculescuhttps://mindxsciences.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-niculescu-md-phd-b460a75/Studies Mentioned:Special Report: Precise, Personalized, and Preventive Psychiatryhttps://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2024.12.12.27CMEs MentionedManaging Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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.

Is it possible for ketogenic therapy to significantly reduce schizoaffective symptoms in 2 weeks? What about putting symptoms into complete remission in 6 weeks?Licensed Mental Health Counselor Nicole Laurent joins Dr. Bret Scher to discuss her newly published case series showcasing the dramatic improvements in individuals with schizoaffective disorder using ketogenic metabolic therapy.In this interview, Nicole shares:The life-changing stories from the patients and their familiesHow she collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure better outcomesHow she determines the right type of ketogenic diet for each patientThe role of nutrient deficiencies and supplementation in treatmentHow medications were handled and her perspective on medication changes with ketogenic therapyThe profound transformations in her patients’ lives, including returning to school and regaining independenceThese stories offer hope and add to the growing evidence that ketogenic therapy can help individuals struggling with mental illness.Want to hear more real-life experiences of people reclaiming their mental health through metabolic therapy? Hear from our community of experts by experience, including their challenges, setbacks, and successes on the path to recovery at metabolicmind.org/think-smart.Expert Featured:Nicole Laurent, LMHChttps://mentalhealthketo.com/Founder and Medical Director of Mental Health KetoX: @KetoCounselorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlaurent/Instagram: mentalhealthketo/Studies MentionedKetogenic metabolic therapy for schizoaffective disorder: a retrospective case series of psychotic symptom remission and mood recoveryhttps://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1506304CMEs MentionedManaging Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hopehttps://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illnesshttps://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615Follow 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.

Dr. Iain Campbell, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, discusses his groundbreaking pilot study on ketogenic therapy for bipolar disorder with Dr. Bret Scher. Having personally experienced the benefits of ketosis for his own bipolar type II depression, Dr. Campbell delves into the link between metabolic health and mental well-being.Dr. Campbell shares how his recent study reveals a correlation between higher ketone levels and improvements in mood, energy, impulsivity, and anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder. He also highlights the intriguing brain imaging results that indicate reductions in brain glutamate, hinting at one of the potential mechanisms behind ketogenic therapy's effectiveness.Key Topics Covered:The correlation between ketone levels and mood stabilizationDr. Campbell’s personal journey using ketogenic therapy for bipolar disorderHow ketosis impacts brain glutamate levelsThe role of metabolic psychiatry in treating mental illnessThe future of metabolic treatments at the newly established UK Metabolic Psychiatry HubDr. Campbell's pioneering work at the Metabolic Psychiatry Hub is advancing the field of metabolic psychiatry by integrating research and treatment, demonstrating how ketogenic therapy can be a powerful tool for addressing both metabolic and mental health in the treatment of bipolar disorder.New Study:A Pilot Study of a Ketogenic Diet in Bipolar Disorder: Clinical, Metabolic and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Findingshttps://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2024.841Experts Featured:Dr. Iain CampbellX: @IainCampbellPhDwww.metabolicpsychiatryhub.comFollow 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.

Dr. Stephen Cunnane, a leading professor at the University of Sherbrooke, discusses groundbreaking research on brain metabolism and psychiatric medications. He reveals how ketone PET imaging provides new insights into brain energy use, especially in aging and dementia. Cunnane explores the impact of glucose decline on cognitive health, emphasizing the crucial role of ketones as a compensatory energy source. He also shares his research on first-episode psychosis, examining how medications disrupt metabolic health and influence brain function.

How can we make sense of conflicting studies? One paper suggests a ketogenic diet reduces all-cause mortality, while another claims it raises blood pressure. Are large-scale survey tools like NHANES—the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—really the best way to answer these complex questions? In this insightful interview, Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota, an internal medicine clinician, educator, and data enthusiast, explains how to critically evaluate research findings. He highlights the strengths and limitations of different types of studies, using engaging analogies to help you better understand when and how to apply research conclusions. In this video you’ll learn: The importance of choosing the right tool (study) for the task Strengths and weaknesses of large population studies like NHANES Practical advice for interpreting conflicting health and nutrition research If you're passionate about understanding health research and making evidence-based decisions, this interview is a must-watch! Expert Featured: Dr. Adrian Soto-Mota X: @AdrianSotoMota Studies Mentioned Ketogenic diets are associated with an elevated risk of hypertension: Insights from a cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES 2007–2018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200342 Comparing Very Low-Carbohydrate vs DASH Diets for Overweight or Obese Adults With Hypertension and Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2968 The ketogenic diet has the potential to decrease all-cause mortality without a concomitant increase in cardiovascular-related mortality https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73384-x CMEs Mentioned Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, 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.

Dr. Lori Calabrese, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adolescent mental health, discusses the alarming rise of mental health issues among youth and the potential role of ketogenic diets in treatment. She explains the unique challenges of implementing ketogenic therapies for adolescents versus adults and stresses the need for family involvement in the process. The conversation highlights the adaptability of young people to these diets and the importance of personalized approaches for lasting mental health benefits.

How Is a ketogenic diet different for women, and what impact does a ketogenic diet have on women’s hormones? The ketogenic diet sparks a lot of questions when it comes to women’s health—and for good reason. Social media and the internet are flooded with conflicting information. Fortunately, Dr. Madison Kackley, a research scientist at Ohio State University, brings evidence-based insights in this episode. As the leader of the SHE IS Laboratory, Dr. Kackley and her team are uncovering the unique ways ketogenic interventions can impact women’s health, considering crucial factors like hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, and key life stages such as postpartum and perimenopause. In this episode, you’ll learn: Insights from the SHE IS Lab on ketogenic therapies for PCOS, postpartum depression, perimenopause, and more. How ketogenic therapies are helping restore menstrual cycles and improve hormonal health. The importance of personalized approaches and cycle tracking in women's health research. When ketone supplements may be beneficial for women’s health. How to adjust exercise and nutrition for different stages of the menstrual cycle. Join us as Dr. Kackley shares her passion for addressing the gaps in women-specific health studies and the promising future of metabolic-based interventions for women’s health. Expert Featured: Dr. Madison Kackley X: @KackleyMLPhD CMEs Mentioned: Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope https://www.mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616 Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness https://www.mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615 Follow our channel for more insights and education from Dr. Bret Scher, 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.