Whole Food and Ketogenic-Informed Dietary Interventions for OCD: A Metabolic Perspective

Abstract Purpose Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition characterized by the presence of intrusive thoughts, images or urges, and/or compulsions. Despite well-established treatment pathways of psychological therapy and psychopharmacology, most individuals with OCD are failing to experience meaningful benefit. Nutritional psychiatry, an emerging field of research, has not yet explored whether a dietary intervention can support the management of OCD symptoms. This review aims to examine the plausibility of using metabolically informed dietary change in the treatment of OCD through exploring key biological factors implicated in the development of OCD, and the impact of diet on these factors. Recent Findings There is currently no prospective literature that has investigated what those with OCD eat, or whether a dietary intervention can improve their symptoms. Nutritional psychiatry research has centred on anxiety and mood disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders leaving OCD underrepresented. Summary Disruption to metabolic homeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of OCD, with these metabolic factors able to be ameliorated through dietary changes. It is suggested that a whole foods ketogenic diet may be effective in the management of OCD symptoms.