Youth mental illness is on the rise, and treatment options are often limited, especially for kids with bipolar disorder. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting a groundbreaking new real-world data collection funded by the Baszucki Group exploring ketogenic therapy as a promising intervention for children and adolescents living with bipolar disorder.
In this interview, Elizabeth Errico, founder of the Children’s Mental Health Resource Center (CMHRC), shares how her organization is implementing ketogenic therapy in a real-world setting for kids aged 6 to 17. The year-long study is part of a larger initiative supported by the Baszucki Group to expand mental health care options through metabolic approaches.
Families in the program receive education, hands-on support, and guidance to help implement this dietary therapy at home—often with life-changing results.
In this video, you’ll learn:
Why early diagnosis and support for pediatric bipolar disorder is so critical How ketogenic therapy is being applied to youth in a structured, supportive way What families need to implement this therapy successfully Early anecdotal outcomes from participating families Why this research could help shift mainstream mental health treatment
This is about more than data—it’s about hope, empowerment, and building a better path forward for families navigating serious mental illness.
Expert Featured: Elizabeth Errico linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-errico-746995180 cmhrc.org
Other Resources Mentioned: Managing Major Mental Illness with Dietary Change: The New Science of Hope mycme.com/courses/managing-major-mental-illness-with-dietary-change-9616
Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness mycme.com/courses/brain-energy-the-metabolic-theory-of-mental-illness-9615
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What Happens When Kids Try Keto for Bipolar? featuring Elizabeth Errico
The video features an interview with Elizabeth Errico from the Children’s Mental Health Resource Center, discussing a groundbreaking study on ketogenic therapy aimed at children aged 6 to 17 with bipolar disorder. They explore the successes and challenges faced by families, the importance of tailored support for treatment, and insights into the needs of children with mental health issues, emphasizing the potential of ketogenic diets as a promising intervention.
Key Points
Support for Bipolar Disorder
The Children’s Mental Health Resource Center (CHRC) provides bespoke case management for families of children with bipolar disorder, addressing the common issue of misdiagnosis and delays in treatment.
Introduction of Ketogenic Therapy
CHRC is implementing ketogenic therapy as a low-risk intervention, responding to families’ needs for manageable at-home solutions while waiting for professional psychiatric support.
Positive Anecdotal Feedback
Families have reported profound changes in their quality of life, with significant reductions in symptoms for children undergoing ketogenic therapy, despite the research data still being collected.
Challenges in Implementation
Families often struggle with misconceptions about ketogenic diets. CHRC emphasizes the need for education on meal planning, nutrition labels, and providing emotional support for families to adhere to dietary changes.
Importance of Family Engagement
The involvement of family members in the ketogenic diet is crucial. Successful adherence improves when siblings or other household members participate.
Provider Engagement and Education
CHRC assists families in engaging with healthcare providers who may be skeptical about ketogenic therapy, providing educational materials to help families advocate for their children.
Long-Term Program Development
The CHRC aims to create a sustainable and affordable program for ketogenic therapy, including ongoing support, psycho-education, and the collection of qualitative data to inform their interventions.
Creation of Parenting Programs
In addition to dietary interventions, CHRC offers courses focusing on parenting techniques tailored for children with mental illnesses, addressing their unique behavioral needs.