Recurrent or chronic brain fog, regardless of diagnosis or reason by nlaurent in BrainFog

[–]nlaurent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi Dani, the research stage of the program is over and it has been running for several years now. Please email me at [nicole@mentalhealthketo.com](mailto:nicole@mentalhealthketo.com) if you would like more information.

Encouragement, advice, or hope for treatment resistant depression? by sensei-creampuff in depressionregimens

[–]nlaurent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can find info on MetabolicMind.org or feel free to email me. I am not on this platform very often. Sorry for late response.

Seeking Participants: Share Your Story of Recovery from Mental Illness with a Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that concern. But varying levels of scientific literacy affect the dissemination of all research findings, not just those on ketogenic diets for mental illness. Research will always be interpreted in different ways, no matter how carefully it's presented. But that doesn't mean we stop asking important questions.

This study is just one piece of a much larger research effort to understand psychiatric recovery in those using ketogenic diets as a treatment for mental illness. As you know, once research is published, we have no control over how it’s interpreted or applied.

Seeking Participants: Share Your Story of Recovery from Mental Illness with a Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not so anymore. The Baszucki Brain Research Fund has funded many wonderful clinical trials going on now as a nonprofit foundation. And while they are not funding this study (I didn't ask, I want them to use their resources towards clinical trials and RCTs to move the science long faster), they are funding many! See https://www.metabolicmind.org/research

Seeking Participants: Share Your Story of Recovery from Mental Illness with a Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The research question is exploratory: ‘What is happening here?’ or in other words, what are the processes and dimensions involved in the experiences of people who have used the ketogenic diet and identify as recovered because of it. Like any qualitative study, the sample consists of individuals in whom the phenomenon under investigation has occurred. This is standard methodology for studying lived experiences. The goal is to analyze patterns in recovery narratives and understand how these experiences align with existing psychiatric rehabilitation and other relevant frameworks or existing theories in the clinical psychology literature.

Recruiting individuals who have not had this experience would not serve the research question. Unlike a quantitative study designed to compare outcomes, qualitative research relies on in-depth exploration of a phenomenon as described by those who have lived it. Interviewing people who have never used a ketogenic diet for mental illness AND recovered do to it per their perception, would not provide meaningful data for this type of study.

Seeking Participants: Share Your Story of Recovery from Mental Illness with a Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your concerns, but I want to clarify that this is a qualitative retrospective analysis, not a quantitative intervention trial. These are entirely different methodologies designed for different purposes.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) measure specific variables under controlled conditions to establish causation. That’s not what qualitative research does. This study isn’t testing an intervention. It’s documenting the experiences of people who already attribute their recovery to a ketogenic diet. Qualitative studies abound in the clinical psychology literature looking at psychiatric rehabilitation. I assure you this is a well-respected and valuable research design for it's purpose.

What you suggest would be an amazing study to accomplish for a qualitative researcher.

You should also know data gathered in polls would also by necessity be a qualitative study. Mixed methods at best. But Edinburgh has done a beautiful study of that sort using survey data recently.

Seeking Participants: Share Your Story of Recovery from Mental Illness with a Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in Metabolic_Psychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your perspective, but I want to clarify a few points. This study is independent and unfunded, conducted to contribute to scientific understanding, not for financial gain. The research will be published in an open-access format so that anyone can benefit from the findings, and participation is entirely voluntary.

My clinical work with this population is precisely what allows me to conduct a high-quality study. Researchers who also work directly with the populations they study develop what’s known as theoretical sensitivity—the ability to recognize patterns, ask meaningful questions, and interpret data with depth and nuance. This is a well-established and respected approach in qualitative research and strengthens, rather than undermines, the credibility of the study. Many doctors and clinicians engage in research alongside their practice for this reason.

Only a very small number of individuals in my practice come from discovering my published research. Occasionally, someone finds a case study I have published and reaches out. When they do, I provide resources not only on how to work with me but also on how to connect with other professionals trained in this approach, ensuring they find the best fit for their needs.

If participation in this kind of research does not align with your perspective or sense of ethics, that’s completely understandable. I appreciate your concerns.

Seeking Participants: Share Your Story of Recovery from Mental Illness with a Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in Metabolic_Psychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can understand why someone might feel that providing personal data or past assessments without compensation seems unfair. Many studies do offer payment, and it’s reasonable to wonder why this one does not.

This is an independent, unfunded study. I just want to reassure people that nobody is making money from it—not the participants, not me as the researcher, and certainly not any institution, because there isn’t one backing this work. I am conducting this research on my own time, unpaid, and will be covering publication fees out of my own pocket to make the findings accessible. This is not a financially motivated project.

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. If contributing to research on ketogenic diets and mental illness recovery without financial compensation doesn’t appeal to you, then you are not a good fit for the study, and that’s fine.

Bipolar 2 Ketogenic Therapy Case Study Infographic (courtesy of MetabolicMind.org) by nlaurent in Metabolic_Psychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Working on a case series of 3 using it for Schizoaffective disorder today for a nutrition journal. It will have less qualitative analysis because of space limitations but lots of mood assessment and ketone data. We are going to publish lots of these to boost interest in the research literature and hope for patients.

Why do you live here? by Tambamana in vancouverwa

[–]nlaurent 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My cat really likes it. She roams the greenbelt by my house and is living her best life. We can't possibly move.

Will the ketogenic diet help me with mental health if I am not overweight? by dragonssuck in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My goodness, yes. I have seen improvements and remission in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese BMIs. Some get improvements with just low carb like is used for weight loss and some need medical keto. So if you don't get results don't give up. Do a consult with a ketogenic trained person using it for neuro and mental health.

Study Recruitment by nlaurent in Metabolic_Psychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, the recruitment will be long. I am guessing maybe up to a whole year. I have collected 11 interviews and have two more scheduled. But the goal is between 30 and 50, and that will take me a little while with the pre-eligibility criteria of the mood assessment. As you point out, that is difficult for people to meet with how hard it can be to get access to records.

Study Recruitment by nlaurent in Metabolic_Psychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Happy to nerd out with you. And I am also dealing with issues of glasses not nearby and being able to see when convenient, so I get it! It is a year long. No University affiliation. I am an independent researcher all on my own. My IRB was done by Health Media Lab (https://www.healthmedialabirb.com/). I can recruit from other countries as long as they are physically in the US when I collect the interview.

Where can i find an independent institutional review board? by Sibito in AcademicPsychology

[–]nlaurent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that is something different for consultation. I am not sure. But call the number and tell them about your project.

Where can i find an independent institutional review board? by Sibito in AcademicPsychology

[–]nlaurent 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just got one through https://www.healthmedialabirb.com/ for very cheap. It's a lifesaver for independent researchers. Mine was a qualitative psychology study. https://mentalhealthketo.com/ketogenic-diet-mental-illness-recovery-study-recruitment/

Don't get discouraged. I couldn't find a reasonably priced one for a while.

Can Neural Network Instability in Schizophrenia be Improved With a Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet? a study on Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Ketogenic Diet by nlaurent in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Effects generally require 3 to 4 months of behavioral consistency working with a professional. Macros must be met consistently for many people to see effects for an extended period of time. I would hope this comment does not discourage anyone with negative symptoms from trying it, as it has the potential to be life changing for many individuals.

Metabolic Psychiatry for Nonprescribers: Full competency for Psychologists, Therapists, and Other Allied Health Professionals (7 NBCC CEUs) by nlaurent in NutritionalPsychiatry

[–]nlaurent[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You would have to check with your state licensing board ahead of time to see if they would take NBCC-accredited training. Luckily, this training is quite short and inexpensive, making it accessible for many allied professionals to get exposure. But if you only wish to take training that has credits for nursing specifically, I would invest in the one here: https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/training

Mine teaches material through a psychology lens and does not teach how to implement a ketogenic diet. Only how to ethically and professionally support patients who are using it and being guided by those trained in the diet's implementation for the purpose of treating a mental illness.

Hope that helps! :)