Abstract
Dorothy Herson explores her journey with the ketogenic diet as a treatment for bipolar disorder. She reflects on the question "Does altering your diet reduce your risk of depression and are any dietary manipulations an effective treatment for depression?" posed by Michael Berk and Ian B. Hickie regarding the efficacy of dietary changes in managing depression.
Herson recounts her struggle with severe manic episodes and her decision to try the ketogenic diet, inspired by Matt Baszucki's success. Initially, the diet seemed to help with her manic symptoms, offering mental clarity and stable energy levels. However, it proved less effective for her depressive episodes. Herson encountered significant side effects, such as social isolation, obsessive behaviour, hair loss, and high cholesterol. While there were some benefits for managing mania, the restrictive nature of the diet worsened her depression and other health issues. She ultimately concludes that a well-managed medication regimen, regular sleep, and a balanced diet are more sustainable and effective for managing bipolar disorder. She remains open to using the ketogenic diet for managing manic symptoms but stresses the importance of a balanced approach to diet and mental health.
