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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

BIPOLAR I DISORDER PSYCHOSIS SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

McLean Hospital

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02487, United States

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