NCT06081426 · University of Pittsburgh
Examining Neurobiological Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Effect of the Ketogenic Diet in Bipolar Disorder (BD)
What this study is about
The investigators aim to examine the effect of the ketogenic diet on brain activity, metabolism, and emotions in adults with Bipolar Disorder (BD).
View original scientific description
The investigators aim to examine the effect of the ketogenic diet on brain activity, metabolism, and emotions in adults with Bipolar Disorder (BD).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- All participants:
- 18-40 years of age
- Not following a ketogenic diet BD hypomanic group (n=30):
- Meeting sex proportion: 50% female
- Meeting diagnosis proportion: 50:50% Bipolar I: Bipolar II (BDI:II) (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5; DSM-5)
- Score greater than 10 on the Young Mania Rating Scale score(YMRS)
- BD medications will be allowed as in our previous studies: any combination of atypical antipsychotics, lithium, antidepressants, anxiolytics (common in BD) BD euthymic group (n=30):
- Meeting sex proportion: 50% female
- Meeting diagnosis proportion: 50:50% BDI:II (DSM-5)
- Score less than or equal to 10 on YMRS
- BD medications will be allowed as in our previous studies: any combination of atypical antipsychotics, lithium, antidepressants, anxiolytics (common in BD) Healthy Control (HC) Group (n=30):
- Sex matched with BD groups
- No psychiatric history
Exclusion criteria
- All participants:
- Not between 18-40 years of age
- History of head injury, neurological, pervasive developmental disorder (e.g. autism), systemic medical disease and treatment (medical records, participant report)
- Mini-Mental State Examination score (cognitive state) \<24
- Premorbid National Adult Reading Test Intelligent Quotient (NAART IQ) estimate\<85
- Visual disturbance: \<20/40 Snellen visual acuity
- History of alcohol/substance use disorder (SUD; all substances, including nicotine), and/or illicit substance use (except cannabis) over the last 6 months (SCID-5). Note: lifetime/present cannabis use (at non-abuse (\<3 times in the past month) and non SUD levels) will be allowed, given its common usage in BD and young adults. Cannabis SUD over the last 6 months will not be allowed. Urine tests on scan days will exclude current illicit substance use (except cannabis). Salivary alcohol tests on scan days will exclude intoxicated individuals
- MRI exclusion: metallic objects, e.g., surgical implants; claustrophobia; positive pregnancy test for females or self-report pregnancy
- Unable to understand English
- Conditions related to the pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.
- Taking anticoagulants and/or those with blood dyscrasias (illnesses) who have coagulation disorders (eg, hemophilia) because of the ketomojo finger stick blood tests
- Scoring 3 or higher on positive symptom factor questions on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) questionnaire (indicative of psychotic symptoms)
- Currently following a ketogenic diet
- Head circumference larger than 24 inches (62cm) and/or chest circumference larger than 55 inches (139 cm) BD hypomanic group:
- Must be meeting sex proportions: not 50% female
- Must be meeting diagnosis proportions: not 50:50% BDI:II (DSM-5)
- Diagnosis of BD in a manic or euthymic episode
- Score 10 or lower on the Young Mania Rating Scale score(YMRS)
- Using psychotropic medications other than those allowed in inclusion criteria
- Does not have a smartphone with a) iOS version 12.0 or above, or b) Android version 8 and later to use with the Keto-Mojo app BD euthymic group:
- Not meeting sex proportion: not 50% female
- Not meeting diagnosis proportion: not 50:50% BDI:II
- Diagnosis of BD in a depressive, hypomanic, or manic episode
- Score greater than 10 on YMRS
- Using psychotropic medications other than those allowed in inclusion criteria
- Does not have a smartphone with a) iOS version 12.0 or above, or b) Android version 8 and later to use with the Keto-Mojo app Healthy Control (HC) Group
- Not sex-matched with BD groups
- Has psychiatric history
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 10, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations