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My name is Louise de Rijk and as PhD candidate I explore the potential of ketogenic interventions in (C)PTSD.
Although a wide range of psychological treatments is available, therapies aimed at cognitive trauma processing—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Imaginary Rescripting—do not provide sufficient recovery for more than 50% of individuals with (C)PTSD. This highlights the need for alternative approaches to understanding and addressing the condition, particularly by exploring the connection between lifestyle and brain function in (C)PTSD. Building on existing knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of (C)PTSD, we hypothesize that metabolic interventions, such as a ketogenic diet, could have a mechanistic effect on (C)PTSD eventually resulting in long term symptom alleviation. Combining metabolic treatments with psychotherapeutic standard care may enhance the effectiveness of psychological therapy. To investigate this, in this six-year project, we combine retrospective and prospective case studies with experimental pilot trials. My educational background is in clinical psychology, with a deep interest in the complex relationship between body and mind. I have worked for five years as a reserve in the Dutch military, where, through projects focused on military mental resilience, I witnessed the impact of high mental stress on the nervous system. I am excited to contribute in a pragmatic way to the mental health of those who need it most, combining my passion for medical psychology, philosophy, nature and science. |
Louise de Rijk, PhD candidate
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