Could a High-Fat diet calm bipolar symptoms?

NCT ID NCT06221852

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Mclean Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb) can improve brain energy and reduce psychiatric symptoms in people with early bipolar disorder. Fifty participants will follow either the ketogenic diet or standard dietary guidelines for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in brain metabolism, mood, and psychotic symptoms.

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 it works, this could point toward a dietary approach to help manage symptoms in early bipolar disorder.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 50 people, so results may not apply widely. The diet is strict and may be hard to follow long-term.

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
RECRUITING

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States

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