Why this Stanford psychiatrist thinks diet influences mental health

O. Rose Broderick covers the intersection of health policies and technologies impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Her career before joining STAT included stints at WNYC’s Radiolab and Scientific American. Notably, her investigative piece challenging a false theory about transgender youth was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2024. You can reach Rose via Signal at rosebroderick.11.

In February, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirred controversy by suggesting that modifying one’s diet could “cure” schizophrenia. This assertion drew significant criticism from the research community, who labeled his claim as “unfounded.”

Despite the prevailing scientific view that diet cannot cure schizophrenia, Kennedy’s belief in using nutritional and dietary approaches to address mental illnesses resonates with certain researchers and clinicians. These professionals are keen to explore alternative treatments for disorders like schizophrenia, which currently have limited effective options. They argue that mental health is influenced not just by brain neurotransmitters but also by other physiological pathways.

Leading this innovative approach is Stanford University researcher Shebani Sethi, who refers to her area of study as “metabolic psychiatry.” Her research has attracted the attention of key figures in the Make America Healthy Again movement, including physician Mark Hyman, known to be a close associate of Kennedy.

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