Energise BD
Dr. Morven Baker speaks about the upcoming ENERGISE-BD research project that looks at the effects of different diets on bipolar depression.
September Meeting: Energise BD Study
This month, we were joined by Clinical Research Fellow Dr. Morven Baker, who spoke about the ENERGISE-BD research project. The study aims to look at the effectiveness of a nutritional approach to treating and managing bipolar depression, specifically comparing the impact of the ketogenic diet and the NHS EatWell recommended diet.
Nutritional Ketosis - prioritises high fat and low carb intake
NHS EatWell guide - promotes variety and balance
To compare their impact, the study will primarily measure their effects on the severity of depressive symptoms. It will also measure the diets' impact on mental health (like anxiety or hypo/mania), quality of life, daily functioning, physical health (like weight and blood pressure), and certain chemical levels in the brain.
There are a few different purposes for this study. Firstly, better treatment for bipolar depression is needed. Many of the current treatment options for bipolar depression tend to have poor efficacy and negative side effects and this study helps explore alternative options. There is also growing evidence that suggests diet can help mental health conditions such as bipolar and this study aims to contribute to this research. And finally, learning how different diets can affect depressive symptoms can help inform future treatments and research.
The study is looking to recruit adults with a bipolar diagnosis currently experiencing depressive symptoms. The first step to participating is a screening assessment to ensure eligibility. Once accepted, participants will be randomly allocated one of the two diets to follow over a period of 12 weeks. There is an initial baseline assessment at the clinic, with re-assessments at 6 and 12 weeks at the clinic. Each diet is followed while in regular contact with a dietician, and at the end of 12 weeks they will be given guidance on how to stop or continue either diet. Lastly, they will be asked to complete a questionnaire remotely as a final assessment at the end of 6 months.
Recruitment for Energise BD will start at the beginning of October 2026. If you are interested in participating, please check the Research Studies section of our What's On page next month to sign up, or find other studies to get involved in.
We would like to thank Dr. Morven Baker again for joining us and introducing us to this new and exciting research that aims to help those living with bipolar.
We would also like to apologise to Dr. Baker and our group members who attended the meeting for the many technical difficulties we experienced during the presentation. We greatly appreciated your patience while we worked to get it sorted.
You can download his meeting presentation here.
