Understanding the experiences of ketogenic metabolic therapy for people living with varying levels of depressive symptoms: a thematic analysis

Article

Bellamy, E. L., Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Walsh, J., Brown, J. and Turner, J. 2024. Understanding the experiences of ketogenic metabolic therapy for people living with varying levels of depressive symptoms: a thematic analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 11 (Art. 1397546). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1397546
AuthorsBellamy, E. L., Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Walsh, J., Brown, J. and Turner, J.
Abstract

Background:
Evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet (KD) may help to alleviate psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Positive changes have been reported such as improvements in cognition, concentration, and sleep, a reduction in hunger, and an increase in well-being, energy, confidence, and resilience. This research aims to understand the impact of a non-calorie-restricted KD on depression and aspects of psychological well-being in those with varying degrees of depressive symptoms. Though there are a few studies directly exploring the experiences of those following a KD, this will be the first study to explore the narrative from a mental health and psychological well-being viewpoint.

Method:
A sample of nine participants who had followed a non-calorie restricted KD intervention of 50 g of carbohydrates or less per day for at least 12 weeks were recruited. Participants were split into ‘healthy adults’ group who had no to low depressive symptoms and ‘depressive symptoms’ group who had mild to moderate depressive symptoms. A reflexive thematic analysis was considered suitable for this study.

Findings:
Five core themes and 24 subthemes were created. These were, (1) Poor health prior to program; (2) Hunger and cravings-the food and mood connection; (3) Psychological well-being improvements; (4) It becomes a lifestyle; and (5) Implementation difficulties. Participants experienced mental health improvements such as increased self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and achievement. Some experienced more control in life and a greater sense of reward. Those with depressive symptoms who initially reported low self-worth and hopelessness later reported increased self-esteem and renewed meaning and purpose in life. The findings from this study reflect the previous reports that the diet implementation can be difficult initially, but soon becomes easy to follow and turns into a lifestyle.

Conclusion:
In the literature, there are very few qualitative studies that explore the accounts and lived experiences of those following a KD. From the participants’ accounts in this study, it appears that the benefits and positive outcomes of this diet outweigh any negative side-effects experienced. This is encouraging for those who are looking for adjunctive therapies to address and improve their depressive symptoms and overall mental health.

JournalFrontiers in Nutrition
Journal citation11 (Art. 1397546)
ISSN2296-861X
Year2024
PublisherFrontiers Media
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Anyone
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1397546
Publication dates
Online06 Jun 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted08 May 2024
Deposited17 Jun 2024
FunderThe University of East London
Public Health Collaboration
Copyright holder© 2024, The Authors
Permalink -

https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/8xxz0

Log in to edit

Download files

Publisher's version
fnut-11-1397546.pdf
License: CC BY 4.0
File access level: Anyone

  • 60
    total views
  • 40
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

The impact of a brief online mindfulness intervention to support erectile dysfunction in African Caribbean men: a pilot waitlist controlled randomised controlled trial and content analysis
Banbury, S., Jean-Marie, D., Lusher, J., Chandler, C. and Turner, J. 2024. The impact of a brief online mindfulness intervention to support erectile dysfunction in African Caribbean men: a pilot waitlist controlled randomised controlled trial and content analysis. Revista de Psicoterapia. 35 (128), pp. 4-12. https://doi.org/10.5944/rdp.v35i128.40382
An exploration of medical professionals’ attitudes, perceived knowledge and concerns around medical cannabis in the United Kingdom
Heeg, H., Morari, A., Lynskey, M. and Turner, J. 2024. An exploration of medical professionals’ attitudes, perceived knowledge and concerns around medical cannabis in the United Kingdom. Drug Science, Policy and Law. 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/20503245241283699
A Preliminary Study Looking at the Use of Mindful Compassion and Cannabis Suppositories for Anodyspareunia among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Banbury, S., Chandler, C., Erridge, S., Turner, J., del Rio Olvera, J. and Lusher, J. 2024. A Preliminary Study Looking at the Use of Mindful Compassion and Cannabis Suppositories for Anodyspareunia among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM). Psychoactives. 3 (3), pp. 384-399. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychoactives3030024
The Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Depression and Psychological Wellbeing: A Randomised Controlled Trial with Integrated Qualitative Analysis
Bellamy, E. 2024. The Impact of the Ketogenic Diet on Depression and Psychological Wellbeing: A Randomised Controlled Trial with Integrated Qualitative Analysis. PhD Thesis University of East London School of Psychology
The Effects of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Mindfulness on Solicitors’ Well-being
Soon, L., Walsh, J. J., McDowall, A. and Teoh, K. R. H. 2022. The Effects of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Mindfulness on Solicitors’ Well-being. International Journal of the Legal Profession. 29 (2), pp. 143-158. https://doi.org/10.1080/09695958.2021.2020657
Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Male UK Gamblers Seeking Residential Treatment
Sharman, S., Murphy, R., Turner, J. and Roberts, A. 2021. Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Male UK Gamblers Seeking Residential Treatment. Addictive Behaviors. 126 (Art. 107171). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107171
The moderating effect of trait mindfulness on implicit racial bias following a brief mindfulness induction: A pilot study
Scheps, M. H. and Walsh, J. 2020. The moderating effect of trait mindfulness on implicit racial bias following a brief mindfulness induction: A pilot study. Transpersonal Psychology Review. 22 (1), pp. 12-22.
GP experience and understandings of providing follow‐up care in prostate cancer survivors in England
Margariti, C., Gannon, K. N., Walsh, J. J. and Green, J. S. A. 2020. GP experience and understandings of providing follow‐up care in prostate cancer survivors in England. Health and Social Care in the Community. 28 (5), pp. 1468-1478. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12969
Review: Non‐invasive brain stimulation in behavioral addictions: insights from direct comparisons with substance use disorders
Gomis Vicent, E., Thoma, V., Turner, J., Hill, K. P. and Pascual‐Leone, A. 2019. Review: Non‐invasive brain stimulation in behavioral addictions: insights from direct comparisons with substance use disorders. The American Journal on Addictions. 28 (6), pp. 431-454. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12945
Psychosocial Risk Factors in Disordered Gambling: A Descriptive Systematic Overview of Vulnerable Populations
Sharman, S., Murphy, R., Turner, J. and Roberts, A. 2019. Psychosocial Risk Factors in Disordered Gambling: A Descriptive Systematic Overview of Vulnerable Populations. Addictive Behaviors. 99 (Art. 106071). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106071
Predictors of Dropout in Disordered Gamblers in UK Residential Treatment
Roberts, A., Murphy, R., Turner, J. and Sharman, S. 2019. Predictors of Dropout in Disordered Gamblers in UK Residential Treatment. Journal of Gambling Studies. 36, p. 373–386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09876-7
Experiences of UK African-Caribbean Prostate Cancer Survivors of Discharge to primary care
Margariti, Charikleia, Gannon, K., Thompson, Rose, Walsh, J. and Green, James 2019. Experiences of UK African-Caribbean Prostate Cancer Survivors of Discharge to primary care. Ethnicity and Health. 26 (8), pp. 1115-1129. https://doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2019.1606162
Psychosocial correlates in treatment seeking gamblers: Differences in early age onset gamblers vs later age onset gamblers
Sharman, S., Murphy, Raegan, Turner, J. and Roberts, Amanda 2019. Psychosocial correlates in treatment seeking gamblers: Differences in early age onset gamblers vs later age onset gamblers. Addictive Behaviors. 97, pp. 20-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.05.013
Everyday and prospective memory deficits in ecstasy/polydrug users
Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Fisk, John E, Montgomery, Catharine and Bridges, Nikola 2010. Everyday and prospective memory deficits in ecstasy/polydrug users. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 25 (4), pp. 453-464. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881109359101
Modelling the adverse effects associated with ecstasy use
Fisk, John E., Murphy, Philip N., Montgomery, Catharine and Hadjiefthyvoulou, F. 2010. Modelling the adverse effects associated with ecstasy use. Addiction. 106 (4), pp. 798-805. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03272.x
Prospective memory functioning among ecstasy/polydrug users: evidence from the Cambridge Prospective Memory Test (CAMPROMPT)
Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Fisk, John E., Montgomery, Catharine and Bridges, Nikola 2011. Prospective memory functioning among ecstasy/polydrug users: evidence from the Cambridge Prospective Memory Test (CAMPROMPT). Psychopharmacology. 215 (4), pp. 761-774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2174-y
The Role of Executive Processes in Accounting for Prospective Memory Deficits in Ecstasy/Polydrug Users
Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Fisk, John E., Montgomery, Catharine and Bridges, Nikola 2011. The Role of Executive Processes in Accounting for Prospective Memory Deficits in Ecstasy/Polydrug Users. The Open Addiction Journal. 4 (1), pp. 20-21. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874941001104010020
Visuospatial working memory impairment in current and previous ecstasy/polydrug users
Fisk, John E., Montgomery, Catharine and Hadjiefthyvoulou, F. 2011. Visuospatial working memory impairment in current and previous ecstasy/polydrug users. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 26 (4-5), pp. 313-321. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.1207
Self-reports of Executive Dysfunction in Current Ecstasy/Polydrug Users
Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Fisk, John E., Montgomery, Catharine and Bridges, Nikola 2012. Self-reports of Executive Dysfunction in Current Ecstasy/Polydrug Users. Cognitive And Behavioral Neurology. 25 (3), pp. 128-138. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNN.0b013e318261459c
Prospective memory deficits in illicit polydrug users are associated with the average long-term typical dose of ecstasy typically consumed in a single session.
Gallagher, Denis T., Hadjiefthyvoulou, F., Fisk, John E., Montgomery, Catharine, Robinson, Sarita J. and Judge, Jeannie 2014. Prospective memory deficits in illicit polydrug users are associated with the average long-term typical dose of ecstasy typically consumed in a single session. Neuropsychology. 28 (1), pp. 43-54. https://doi.org/10.1037/neu0000004
Temporal and visual source memory deficits among ecstasy/polydrug users
Fisk, John E., Gallagher, Denis T., Hadjiefthyvoulou, F. and Montgomery, Catharine 2014. Temporal and visual source memory deficits among ecstasy/polydrug users. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 29 (2), pp. 172-182. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2385
Reasoning deficits among illicit drug users are associated with aspects of cannabis use
Fisk, John E., Morley, Andy M., Hadjiefthyvoulou, F. and Montgomery, Catharine 2014. Reasoning deficits among illicit drug users are associated with aspects of cannabis use. Cognitive Processing. 15 (4), pp. 523-534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10339-014-0616-2
Trends and patterns in UK treatment seeking gamblers: 2000–2015
Sharman, S., Murphy, Raegan, Turner, J. and Roberts, Amanda 2018. Trends and patterns in UK treatment seeking gamblers: 2000–2015. Addictive Behaviors. 89, pp. 51-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.09.009
Psychiatric profiles of mothers who take Ecstasy/MDMA during pregnancy: Reduced depression 1 year after giving birth and quitting Ecstasy
Turner, J., Parrott, Andrew C, Goodwin, Julia, Moore, Derek G, Fulton, Sarah, Min, Meeyoung O and Singer, Lynn T 2014. Psychiatric profiles of mothers who take Ecstasy/MDMA during pregnancy: Reduced depression 1 year after giving birth and quitting Ecstasy. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 28 (1), pp. 55-61. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881113515061
Aspects of alcohol use disorder affecting social cognition as assessed using the Mini Social and Emotional Assessment (mini-SEA)
Cox, Sharon, Bertoux, Maxime, Turner, J., Moss, Antony, Locker, Kirsty and Riggs, Kevin 2018. Aspects of alcohol use disorder affecting social cognition as assessed using the Mini Social and Emotional Assessment (mini-SEA). Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 187, pp. 165-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.03.004
CFT & people with intellectual disabilities
Hardiman, Mark, Willmoth, Corrina and Walsh, J. 2018. CFT & people with intellectual disabilities. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. 12 (1), pp. 44-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-07-2017-0030
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health Professionals—a Pilot Study
Ruths, Florian A., de Zoysa, Nicole, Frearson, Sonya J., Hutton, Jane, Williams, J. Mark G. and Walsh, J. 2012. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health Professionals—a Pilot Study. Mindfulness. 4 (4), pp. 289-295. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0127-0
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health Professionals: A Long-Term Qualitative Follow-up Study
de Zoysa, Nicole, Ruths, Florian A., Walsh, J. and Hutton, Jane 2012. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health Professionals: A Long-Term Qualitative Follow-up Study. Mindfulness. 5 (1), pp. 10-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0141-2
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health Professionals: a Long-Term Quantitative Follow-up Study
de Zoysa, Nicole, Ruths, Florian A., Walsh, J. and Hutton, Jane 2012. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Mental Health Professionals: a Long-Term Quantitative Follow-up Study. Mindfulness. 5 (3), pp. 268-275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0176-4
An exploration of an integrated counselling and coaching approach with distressed young people
Flynn, Alan T., Sharp, Nicola L., Walsh, J. and Popovic, Nash 2017. An exploration of an integrated counselling and coaching approach with distressed young people. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. 31 (3), pp. 375 -396. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2017.1319800
Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS): no longer legal, not always highs
Turner, J. and Soar, K. 2017. Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS): no longer legal, not always highs. University & College Counselling. 2017 (March), pp. 16-21.
Gambling and violence in a nationally representative sample of UK men
Roberts, A., Coid, Jeremy, King, Robert, Murphy, Reagan, Turner, J., Bowden-Jones, Henrietta, Palmer Du Preez, Katie and Landon, Jason 2016. Gambling and violence in a nationally representative sample of UK men. Addiction. 111 (12), pp. 2196-2207. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13522
Investigating the effects of caffeine on executive functions using traditional Stroop and a new ecologically-valid virtual reality task, the Jansari assessment of Executive Functions (JEF©)
Soar, K., Chapman, E., Sivakuma, N., Jansari, A.S. and Turner, J. 2016. Investigating the effects of caffeine on executive functions using traditional Stroop and a new ecologically-valid virtual reality task, the Jansari assessment of Executive Functions (JEF©). Appetite. 105, pp. 156-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.05.021
Motor delays in MDMA (ecstasy) exposed infants persist to 2years
Singer, Lynn T., Moore, D., Min, Meeyoung O., Goodwin, Julia, Turner, J., Fulton, Sarah and Parrott, Andrew C. 2016. Motor delays in MDMA (ecstasy) exposed infants persist to 2years. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 54, pp. 22-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ntt.2016.01.003
Interpretive bias, repressive coping and trait anxiety
Walsh, J., McNally, Maria A., Skariah, Ancy, Butt, Ayesha A. and Eysenck, Michael W. 2015. Interpretive bias, repressive coping and trait anxiety. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping: An International Journal. 28 (6), pp. 617-633.
Developmental outcomes of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)-exposed infants in the UK
Singer, Lynn T., Moore, Derek G., Min, Meeyoung O., Goodwin, Julia, Turner, J., Fulton, Sarah and Parrott, Andrew C. 2015. Developmental outcomes of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)-exposed infants in the UK. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 30 (4), pp. 290-294. https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2459
One-Year Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to MDMA and Other Recreational Drugs
Singer, L.T., Moore, D., Min, M.O., Goodwin, J., Turner, J., Fulton, S. and Parrott, A.C. 2012. One-Year Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to MDMA and Other Recreational Drugs. Pediatrics. 130 (3), pp. 407-413. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-0666
MDMA and heightened cortisol: a neurohormonal perspective on the pregnancy outcomes of mothers used ‘Ecstasy’ during pregnancy
Parrott, Andrew C., Moore, D., Turner, J., Goodwin, Julia E., Min, Meeyoung O. and Singer, Lynn T. 2014. MDMA and heightened cortisol: a neurohormonal perspective on the pregnancy outcomes of mothers used ‘Ecstasy’ during pregnancy. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 29 (1), pp. 1-7.
Causal links between external contingencies of self-worth and mindfulness
Balint, Marc G., Walsh, J. and MacLeod, Andrew K. 2014. Causal links between external contingencies of self-worth and mindfulness. Transpersonal Psychology Review. 16 (1), pp. 30-38.
‘Vaping’ profiles and preferences: an online survey of electronic cigarette users
Dawkins, L., Turner, J., Roberts, A. and Soar, K. 2013. ‘Vaping’ profiles and preferences: an online survey of electronic cigarette users. Addiction. 108 (6), pp. 1115-1125. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.12150
Nicotine derived from the electronic cigarette improves time-based prospective memory in abstinent smokers
Dawkins, L., Turner, J. and Crowe, Eadaoin 2013. Nicotine derived from the electronic cigarette improves time-based prospective memory in abstinent smokers. Psychopharmacology. 227 (3), pp. 377-384. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-2983-2
The electronic-cigarette: effects on desire to smoke, withdrawal symptoms and cognition
Dawkins, L., Turner, J., Hasna, Surrayyah and Soar, K. 2012. The electronic-cigarette: effects on desire to smoke, withdrawal symptoms and cognition. Addictive Behaviors. 37 (8), pp. 970-973.
Attributions for psychobiological changes in ecstasy/MDMA and other polydrug users
Soar, K., Parrott, A.C. and Turner, J. 2009. Attributions for psychobiological changes in ecstasy/MDMA and other polydrug users. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 23 (7), pp. 745-758.
During pregnancy, recreational drug-using women stop taking ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) and reduce alcohol consumption but continue to smoke tobacco and cannabis
Moore, D., Turner, J., Parrott, A.C., Goodwin, J.E., Fulton, S., Min, M.O., Fox, H.C., Braddick, F.M.B., Toplis, A.S., Axelsson, E.L., Lynch, S., Ribeiro, H., Frostick, C. and Singer, L.T. 2010. During pregnancy, recreational drug-using women stop taking ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) and reduce alcohol consumption but continue to smoke tobacco and cannabis. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 24 (9), pp. 1403-1410.
In-utero exposure to the popular ‘recreational’ drugs MDMA (Ecstasy) and Methamphetamine (Ice, Crystal): preliminary findings
Moore, D., Turner, J., Goodwin, J.E., Fulton, S.E., Singer, L.T. and Parrott, A.C. 2011. In-utero exposure to the popular ‘recreational’ drugs MDMA (Ecstasy) and Methamphetamine (Ice, Crystal): preliminary findings. in: Preece, P.M. and Riley, E.P. (ed.) Alcohol, drugs and medication in pregnancy: the long-term outcome for the child John Wiley & Sons.
Exploring attitude and belief correlates of adhering to the new guidelines for low-risk single-occasion drinking: an application of the theory of planned behaviour
Murgraff, Vered, Mcdermott, M. and Walsh, J. 2001. Exploring attitude and belief correlates of adhering to the new guidelines for low-risk single-occasion drinking: an application of the theory of planned behaviour. Alcohol & Alcoholism. 36 (2), pp. 135-140.