Episode Details

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:

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