Welcome to Stanford Metabolic Psychiatry

A novel metabolic approach to mental health

What is Metabolic Psychiatry?

The emerging subfield of Metabolic Psychiatry lies at the intersection of metabolic health and mental health, combining the principles of biological psychiatry and a metabolic perspective that emphasizes optimizing our metabolic functioning, including improving inflammation, energy pathways, and insulin resistance.

Mental and metabolic illnesses frequently occur together, with

>40%

of individuals with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder also having metabolic syndrome, according to recent studies. Metabolic energy deficits may be present in the brain even before a diagnosis of mental illness itself.

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Our Mission

We aim to inform the public about the connection between nutrition, metabolism, and mental health. Psychiatric illnesses include major depression, generalized anxiety, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, and more. We stress the importance of implementing and studying metabolic therapies, such as nutritional ketosis or pharmacological, metabolic interventions, to improve mental health. We emphasize the avoidance of highly refined sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates that can negatively affect brain health and metabolism. To support our mission, learn more about how you can donate or email us at admin@metabolicpsychiatry.com.

About Us

Join the Metabolic Psychiatry Community

We believe in the power of community. The Metabolic Psychiatry Facebook Group is a user-run platform to share metabolic and mental health resources. We harness the power of collective knowledge and personal experiences to help each other make more informed decisions about overall health in collaboration with one’s healthcare provider.

Please note: Our Facebook Group does not offer official medical advice.

Join our Facebook Group

Highlights of Our Work

High-fat keto diet may help people with serious mental illness

The Washington Post | April 2024
You knew keto diets helped weight loss. But they may also improve mental health

San Francisco Chronicle | April 2024
Patients say keto helps with their mental illness. Science is racing to understand why

NPR | January 2024
Some Psychiatrists Have Started Prescribing Ozempic

New York Times | November 2023