CPD – Healthmasters Live. 1 hour webinar Metabolic Psychiartry.

60 min presentation discussed the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry and how it may change the way we conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are treated. Rather than focusing on neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, the role of mitochondrial health and brain energy production in mental illness was presented.

The theory is that if the brain isn’t producing enough ATP within the brain cells, this may contribute to some psychiatric symptoms. A large part of the presentation focused on the ketogenic diet. By switching from the utilisation of glucose as the main fuel source to beta oxidation and ketone production, the brain may be able to produce energy more efficiently especially if there is a defect in the glycolysis / pyruvate / Acetyl CoA pathway. Animal studies have shown that after three weeks on a ketogenic diet, symptoms associated with schizophrenia improved significantly. While the human research is still developing, the early results are promising in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There was also discussion about the potential use of the down stream ketone bodies – ie beta hydroxy butyrate as supplement medicine to by pass normal glucose metabolism as a fuel source for the brain.

Another point discussed was the importance of treating these patients with a team approach rather than having each practitioner work in isolation. The presenter described a model involving the psychiatrist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and psychologist all working together to address both the metabolic and psychological aspects of a patient. As a Naturopath whilst we can support patients with ketogenic diet it is not always easy to gain access to these "co ordinated teams."

Overall, I found the presentation excellent in terms of understanding other ways that could be influencing mental health and it was encouraging to see diet and nutrition at the centre of this mode of psychiatric care.