Researchers at Edinburgh University have revealed a groundbreaking study connecting metabolism and diet to the root causes of bipolar depression. The study suggests that bipolar disorder might be better treated as a metabolic issue rather than a traditional mood disorder. These findings propose that dietary changes, such as adopting ketogenic diets—high in fats and low in carbohydrates—could stabilize mood and ease symptoms for some bipolar patients.
With backing from the Baszucki Foundation and UK Research and Innovation, Edinburgh University’s newly created Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry will pioneer this research. Initial results from an eight-week trial involving 27 participants with bipolar depression indicated that a third experienced significant improvements in mood stability and impulsiveness with a ketogenic diet. Future studies aim to comprehend why this diet helps certain individuals but not others.
The team will also explore how metabolic disorders—such as diabetes and obesity—and disruptions to circadian rhythms contribute to bipolar disorder. Seasonal patterns were observed, with depressive episodes peaking in autumn and winter, while manic phases increased in spring and autumn, hinting at a connection to circadian rhythm disruptions.
Furthermore, the researchers plan to utilize advanced technologies, including radar sleep monitoring, to study long-term sleep patterns in bipolar patients. This could help predict and possibly prevent the onset of manic or depressive episodes.
This innovative approach may signal a significant shift in how bipolar disorder is treated and understood, offering new hope to the millions affected by this challenging condition.
For more information, visit the The Guardian website.
