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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until August 04, 2025

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Ketogenic Intervention in Depression: a Pilot Study

Decker, Drew D
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1721230237268335

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Kinesiology.
Background: Nutritional ketosis achieved by the consumption of a well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) may benefit individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) but limited ketogenic intervention trials have been conducted, and none in college students. We examined if a WFKD can be implemented in a university counseling treatment program as an adjunctive therapy for MDD, and whether such a program improves symptoms of depression and metabolic health. Methods: Students (n=19) with MDD receiving standard of care counseling and/or medication treatment participated in a 10-12 week WFKD intervention. Food and dietary counseling was provided, and daily tracking of ketones were used to personalize the diet formulation and assess adherence. Participants completed a series of assessments including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), body composition, cognitive performance, and blood metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory markers. Results: Completers (n=13) had a mean capillary ketone (R-beta-hydroxybutyrate) 0.6 mM. There were significant improvements in PHQ-9 at week 2 (a mean score of 15.6 + 5.1 at BL and a mean score of 9.5 + 3.6 at week 2) that continued to improve through the end of the trial (mean of 4.5 + 3.5) (p<0.001). Similarly, HRSD decreased at week 6 from a mean score of 13.9 + 4.9 to a mean of 5.2 + 3.1 and remained lower at the end of the intervention (mean of 3.6 + 2.8 at post) (p<0.001). Participants lost body mass (-6.6%; p=0.004) and fat mass (-12.1%; p=0.004). Insulin and leptin significantly decreased compared to BL (p=0.01 and 0.04 respectively). Participant performance in one cognitive tests, pattern comparison, improved after the intervention (p = 0.002). Conclusion: These pilot data indicate that implementation of a WFKD for 10-12 weeks is a feasible adjunctive therapy for students undergoing standard of care treatment for MDD. The intervention was associated with rapid, consistent, and clinically meaningful improvements in MDD symptoms (70-78%), while favorably influencing body composition, well-being, metabolic health, and select measures of cognitive performance.
Jeff Volek, Dr. (Advisor)
Scott Hayes, Dr. (Committee Member)
Jennifer Cheavens, Dr. (Committee Member)
Ryan Patel, Dr. (Committee Member)
70 p.
Health; Health Sciences; Mental Health; Nutrition
Ketogenic Diet, Major Depressive Disorder

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Decker, D. D. (2024). Ketogenic Intervention in Depression: a Pilot Study [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1721230237268335

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Decker, Drew. Ketogenic Intervention in Depression: a Pilot Study. 2024. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1721230237268335.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Decker, Drew. "Ketogenic Intervention in Depression: a Pilot Study." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1721230237268335

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1721230237268335
© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.