Bipolar Disorder Research Study
Researchers at The University of Pittsburgh are interested in understanding the potential for reducing mania/hypomania severity and predisposition to mania/hypomania in individuals with BD through the ketogenic diet. Join our compensated survey today!
Fast Facts
Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and willing to follow a ketogenic diet
18-30 years old
Compensation Provided
Live in Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
This research survey aims to reduce mania/hypomania severity and predisposition to mania/hypomania in individuals with BD..
Participants in this will complete a clinical evaluation, baseline blood draw, and baseline fMRI scan and then be pseudo-randomly assigned to their first diet phase (ketogenic or non-ketogenic diet). While in their first diet phase, participants will complete twice daily monitoring of their mood/activity and blood ketones, two follow up blood draws, and one fMRI scan. Participants will then switch to the other diet and complete twice daily monitoring of their mood/activity and blood ketones, two follow up blood draws, and one fMRI scan.
Advance research today and join our compensated survey!
Study Background
This research survey aims to reduce mania/hypomania severity and predisposition to mania/hypomania in individuals with BD..
Participants in this will complete a clinical evaluation, baseline blood draw, and baseline fMRI scan and then be pseudo-randomly assigned to their first diet phase (ketogenic or non-ketogenic diet). While in their first diet phase, participants will complete twice daily monitoring of their mood/activity and blood ketones, two follow up blood draws, and one fMRI scan. Participants will then switch to the other diet and complete twice daily monitoring of their mood/activity and blood ketones, two follow up blood draws, and one fMRI scan.
Advance research today and join our compensated survey!
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Key Criteria:
- Ages 18-30
- Bipolar Disorder
- Right handed
- No substance use disorders
- No conditions related to the pancreas, liver, thyroid, or gallbladder
- Able to complete an MRI (no metal in the body, claustrophobia, or pregnancy)
- Have a smartphone
- Willing to follow the ketogenic diet
Once enrolled, this study involves:
- Visit 1: Clinical evaluation
- Visit 2A: Baseline blood draw
- Visit 2B: Baseline fMRI scan
Diet Phase 1
- Ramp up/acclimation period
- Visit 3: 4-week blood draw
- Visit 4A: 8-week blood draw
- Visit 4B: 8-week fMRI scan
Diet Phase 2
- Ramp up/acclimation period
- Visit 5: 4-week blood draw
- Visit 6A: 8-week blood draw
- Visit 6B: 8-week fMRI scan
