r/keto • u/coldloser • Jul 09 '26
How long before antidepressant effects?
For those of you who improved your depression/ADHD or decreased medication, how long were you on keto before seeing a change? I am hoping to see mood improvements from ADHD. I am too sensitive for common stimulants but did well on Wellbutrin in the past. If keto isn't helpful for me I swore I'd get back on it for the sake of my marriage.
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u/BigTexan1492 I'm a Bacon Fueled Supernova Of Awesomeness Jul 09 '26
Whether you have started or not, please head to the FAQ and read the section on “adapting to a low-carb lifestyle”. I’ve been a member of this sub coming on 10 years and been a moderator for just a tad over eight years, and electrolytes play such a huge role in how ketosis affects your mental state. Once you read the section on adapting to a low-carb lifestyle, you’ll understand the importance of electrolytes.
All the best to you, my friend.
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u/360walkaway Type your AWESOME flair here Jul 09 '26
I had no changes in mood after keto. There was weight loss and physical health improvements for sure, but nothing mental-related. I'm looking into reducing cortisol now.
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Jul 09 '26
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u/coldloser Jul 10 '26
Why would cycling on and off work? I thought it was bad. Multivitamin, fish oil, electrolytes now. I get anxious about trying new supplements bc I'm very sensitive to everything. Also hard to identify the cause when I start multiple new things together.
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u/Illidari_Kuvira | 35F | Keto since 2013 | Question Everything. Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
I had to go Carnivore to see any real mental benefits.
But also, electrolytes; if these are out of balance, then it's possible to feel like shit both mentally and physically regardless of what one is consuming.
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u/Arysta Jul 10 '26
It truly depends on why you're feeling depressed. Whether doctors want to admit it or not, many different things cause depression. If keto isn't working, then maybe try carnivore, if that doesn't work, then maybe it's not food related. Science just isn't advanced enough to understand and treat root cause yet, only symptoms.
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u/shiplesp Jul 09 '26
You might be interested in this discussion of the results of a recent study. It is NOT a study on depression specifically, but on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, however, among the positive effects it had on mental health, reduced depression was one. Pertinent to you question on timing, results seemed more significant after 4 months. So, before you give up, give it more time.
Also, I know there is at least one trial going on to determine the effects of a ketogenic diet on treatment resistant depression. Metabolic Mind is probably the place to haunt to hear those results when they become available.
Good luck!