Maya Schumer, a 32-year-old neuroscientist, found unexpected relief from bipolar disorder symptoms using the ketogenic diet. After trying conventional treatments without success, Schumer adopted the high-fat, low-carb regimen in 2024. Within five months, her panic attacks decreased and she could focus without stimulants.

While her depression persisted, adding lithium stabilized her condition. Schumer credits the diet with making her illness easier to manage, likening it to seeing clearly without glasses. However, this personal success contrasts sharply with warnings from experts like Health Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr., who claimed the diet could 'cure' schizophrenia. Leading psychiatrists and researchers strongly refute this, emphasizing no evidence supports such a claim and stressing the diet should never replace proven therapies like medication or therapy. Limited studies suggest potential benefits for depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, but results are inconsistent and often involve small, short-term trials.

A 2024 study showed symptom improvement in 23 patients by an average of 31 percent, while another reported a 70 percent improvement in 16 depressed students. Despite these findings, researchers caution against self-treatment due to risks like nutrient deficiencies, cardiovascular issues from high saturated fat intake, and the potential for patients to abandon essential medications. The keto diet's long-term viability is also questioned, as adherence is notoriously difficult.

Experts stress the diet must only be used under medical supervision to monitor health and adjust medications.