The Power of Root Cause Interventions

The numbers are impressive and correspond to what our clients have been telling us: improved mental health, greater physical vitality, improvement in metabolic markers and body composition. One of the most common phrases we hear is: “I haven’t felt this well in many years.”

Three Key Points of Outcomes

Symptom Reduction Across Diagnoses

Clients reported a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and psychosis using validated clinical scales (DSM-5 Cross-Cutting, WHODAS, PROMIS-10).

Improved Metabolic & Physical Health

Participants experienced meaningful reductions in BMI, body fat percentage, and visceral fat as well as reductions in HbA1c, triglycerides and the TG/HDL ratio — all key markers of metabolic health.

Quality of Life Transformation

Many participants reported renewed energy, clarity, and emotional stability. The majority of clients were able to make modest dose reductions of their medications while in the program.

Symptom Reduction Across Diagnoses

Clients reported a decrease in anxiety, depression, trauma, and psychosis symptoms using validated clinical scales (DSM-5 Cross-Cutting, WHODAS, PROMIS-10).

Improved Metabolic & Physical Health

Participants experienced meaningful reductions in BMI, body fat percentage, and visceral fat as well as (labs 1 and 2) — all key markers of metabolic health.

Quality of Life Transformation

Many participants reported renewed energy, clarity, and emotional stability. The majority of clients were able to make modest dose reductions of their medications while in the program.

Demographic averages

Age range

20–67

Diagnoses and symptoms

Bipolar

Major Depressive disorder

Schizoaffective Disorder

obsessive compulsive disorder

Obesity

Prediabetes

*This is a sample of diagnoses that exclude many others that we work with such as Anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and several other mental and physical health challenges.

Median number of days at Accord

Days

Average number of previous stays in a higher level of care

3

Client Story

Carlene is a 45-year-old divorced woman with Bipolar disorder, PTSD & Alcohol dependence in remission

She is sincere, has a great sense of humor, has worked hard to become a therapist, and has close friends through AA as well as a loving and supportive family. At admission, she was taking six psychiatric medications at maximum doses, yet continued to experience symptoms along with metabolic syndrome. She had started GLP-1 medication a year earlier and, despite dietary counseling, lost half of her excess weight while confiding that she was eating only cookies and ice cream (‘I’m addicted’).

With agreement to our recommendations for a well formulated ketogenic diet and more:

Week 1
Therapeutic ketosis achieved, started exercise and breathing practices

Week 2
Increased energy, less anxiety, better mood/more optimism, feeling “grounded” and better focus

Week 4
Reduction in antipsychotic and sleep medication

Week 8
“I have never felt this good in my entire life and I’m not manic; this is the real deal. The best part is I am in control of my health now and forever.”

Week 12
“I’ve wanted to die ever since 6th grade and now I don’t want to die anymore; I have so much to look forward to…”

“The transformation is miraculous; I am never going off of this diet”

– A private patient 2 years into metabolic treatment

Significant findings

DSM Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure

A screening tool that captures mental health symptoms across multiple areas, helping identify concerns that may need attention.

Why it matters: Gives a broad, early view of what’s going on—allowing us to track changes in symptoms.

Overall symptom improvement 36%

WHODAS (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule)

Measures how well someone is able to function and carry out daily life activities.

Why it matters: Shows how treatment is impacting everyday life—not just symptoms.

Overall 61% reduction on WHODAS scale

Promis-10 (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System)

A quality-of-life scale—higher scores mean better overall health and well-being.

Why it matters: Tracks whether someone is not just getting better, but truly feeling better.

Patient-reported improvement 28%

CGI (Clinical Global Impression)

A 7-point clinician-rated scale comparing overall symptom burden and functional impact from admission to discharge.

Why it matters: Offers a professional, big-picture view of progress over the course of care.

Meaningful improvement on a clinician-rated scale

Physical health outcomes

At Discharge 25.9

At Admission 31.1

At Discharge 29.9

At Admission 12.3

At Discharge 11.5

At Admission 5.33

At Discharge 5.11

At Admission 120.5

At Discharge 96.88

At Admission 2.86

At Discharge 2.19

Misunderstood Information about Ketogenic Therapies:

Do our bodies needs carbs for energy?

Our bodies are fully capable of running on fat for fuel, especially in the form of ketones, which can be produced when using ketogenic therapies. Carbohydrates cause blood sugar to rise and fall quickly, leading to energy spikes and crashes. In contrast, fat is a slower-burning, more consistent fuel that provides steady energy. This is why many people on keto report better focus, more stable moods, and fewer cravings while on a ketogenic diet.

Does the ketogenic diet raise cholesterol and increase heart disease risk?

The sum of the published research shows an overall reduction in cardiac risk on ketogenic diets. In a large clinical trial of ketogenic diets for a one year period, 20 cardiac disease risk factors were measured and 17 showed significant improvements, 2 were unchanged and only LDL-C worsened. The overall 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was lowered by 11.9% in this study, despite the increase in LDL-C. In a separate but smaller similar study, 10-year ASCVD risk was lowered by 44%.

Is the ketogenic diet a fad diet without scientific evidence?

Unlike typical fad diets that promise quick fixes without substantial evidence, the ketogenic diet has been studied for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in neurological conditions like epilepsy for over 100 years. There is also strong scientific evidence for it to treat type II Diabetes and Obesity. Emerging research is also very positive for its potential in managing mental health disorders and certain cancers.

Does the ketogenic diet cause nutrient deficiencies?

It is always recommended you consult with a provider before initiating ketogenic therapies on your own. Any restrictive diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not well-planned. However, with a plan that includes a variety of nutrient-dense, low-carb vegetables, adequate protein intake, and healthy fats from foods like olive oil, nuts, and seeds, individuals can meet all of their nutritional needs on a ketogenic diet.

Is the “keto flu” avoidable?

Yes! If done carefully, the transition into ketogenic metabolism does not have to be uncomfortable at all. There are many effective strategies to avoid the "keto flu”, including a more gradual approach to dietary changes, drinking plenty of fluids and using electrolyte supplements in the early weeks of the transition.

Words From our Clients

“If you’re looking for an approach to mental health beyond just medication, check this out. I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Accord—it was life-changing.”

“The four weeks I spent at Accord were truly transformative. Initially, I was resistant to the ketogenic lifestyle, both because of my habits and my body chemistry. However, with the guidance of Matt and the incredible team, I successfully transitioned to a full-time keto state. The semi-seclusion, paired with the support of Sophie and the staff, allowed me to rewire my habits.”

“I have Bipolar 1, and big life changes—like starting KMT—can trigger mania. I struggled to find a psychiatrist who understood KMT until I discovered Accord through MetabolicMind.org. The presence of a psychiatrist who could monitor my mental stability made it the perfect opportunity.”

“From the moment I arrived, I felt truly cared for. The team was deeply invested in helping me reach my goals: weight loss, medication reduction, and improved sleep.”

“I decided to do the program so I could take care of myself, reduce psychiatric medicine, learn about a healthy lifestyle and experience how ketosis can help that happen. I’ve only stayed a month at accord but managed to learn so much.
I’m so grateful to have met the amazing staff and I am going to miss them. I recommend Accord for people who struggle with mental help and want to make a change in their life.”

What’s to come?

While our current outcomes reflect in-program progress, we’re actively building longitudinal data to track sustained improvements after discharge.