Keto diet shows promise for bipolar disorder in early trial

NCT ID NCT06558201

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: Mclean Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This 12-week study is for people who completed a previous trial of the ketogenic diet for first-episode bipolar disorder. Researchers want to see if the diet can improve symptoms like depression, mania, and psychosis, as well as brain energy metabolism and insulin resistance. About 50 participants will follow a high-fat, low-carb diet while being monitored for changes in mood and metabolic health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ketogenic diet

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a dietary approach to help manage bipolar disorder symptoms and related metabolic issues.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage extension study with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. The strict diet can be hard to follow and may cause side effects like fatigue or nutrient deficiencies.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder bipolar I disorder Insulin Resistance psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • McLean Hospital

    Belmont, Massachusetts, 02487, United States