Researchers explore ketogenic diet’s effects on bipolar disorder among adolescents and young adults

While preliminary research suggests ketogenic therapy has a beneficial impact on psychiatric and metabolic function in adults with bipolar disorder, this will be the first study to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of this adjunctive therapy on mental health in this population.

Set to begin in March, the pilot study will recruit participants aged 12-21 with bipolar 1, bipolar 2, or unspecified bipolar disorders. The approximately 40 enrolled participants will follow a 16-week ketogenic program while continuing their prescribed mood stabilizing medications. The partnering researchers will be providing the food to participants at no charge. All participants will work with registered dietitians, psychiatrists, and psychologists affiliated with the study. 

To assess the impact of the intervention, independent evaluators will conduct monthly psychiatric assessments, including measures of  depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis, psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Additionally, participants will provide daily blood fingerprick ketone measures to measure metabolic changes. 

“We are excited to have the opportunity to conduct a pilot study examining the feasibility and mood stabilizing effects of this innovative strategy for adolescents and young adults living with bipolar spectrum disorders,” said Melissa DelBello, MD, site principal investigator, Dr. Stanley and Mickey Kaplan professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience in UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health physician.