Keto as Adjunctive Therapy for PTSD: New Case Study

As interest grows in alternative approaches to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like ibogaine and psilocybin-assisted therapy, researchers are also exploring how metabolic interventions may target the underlying biology of psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Nicole Laurent, a licensed therapist and researcher, about a published case report exploring ketogenic metabolic therapy in treatment-resistant PTSD.

Together, they break down some of the biology behind PTSD, including brain hypometabolism, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances, and how ketogenic therapy may help address these underlying mechanisms.

The conversation also explores a powerful real-world case: a woman with nearly two decades of persistent PTSD symptoms who experienced profound improvements after implementing a medically supervised ketogenic approach.

In this conversation, you’ll also learn:

• Why metabolism may play a central role in psychiatric conditions
• How ketogenic therapy may support brain energy and neurotransmitter balance
• The importance of clinical supervision, especially when medications are involved
• Why individualized care and self-advocacy matter in emerging treatments

While case reports don’t establish causation, they can highlight new directions for research and clinical care, especially for individuals who haven’t found relief with standard approaches.

As research evolves, metabolic psychiatry is opening new conversations about how we understand and treat mental health conditions. If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, this discussion may offer a new perspective to explore with a qualified healthcare provider.

Learn more about ketogenic therapy as an adjunct treatment for PTSD on our blog: Hope for PTSD: The Potential of Ketogenic Metabolic Therapies.

🔎 Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.

#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #PTSD

Expert Featured:

Nicole Laurent, LMHC

• https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/nicole-laurent-lmhc/
• https://mentalhealthketo.com/nicole-laurent-lmhc-about-me/

Chris Palmer, MD

• https://www.chrispalmermd.com/
• https://www.metabolicmind.org/team/chris-palmer-md/
• https://www.instagram.com/chrispalmermd/

Resources Mentioned:

PTSD Case Report:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41783812/

Robin Engelhardt Case report: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400616091_Ketogenic_Therapy_as_a_Novel_Treatment_Approach_for_PTSD_An_Integrative_Review_and_Model

Palmer Case report:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089804/

Free CME Clinician Trainings:

Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.

Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt

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.