The effect of interventions targeting gut microbiota on depressive symptoms: a systematic review
Abstract Background: Despite their popularity, the efficacy of interventions targeting gut microbiota to improve depressive symptoms is unknown. Our objective is to summarize the effect of microbiome-targeting interventions on depressive symptoms. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and […]
The safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in a population with bipolar disorder
The safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in a population with bipolar disorder during depressive episodes: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial Abstract Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, debilitating illness with significant medical morbidity, often secondary to current treatments, and a high recurrence rate. This burden of disease reflects limitations in […]
Changes in the gut microbiome associated with infliximab in patients with bipolar disorder
Objectives: Available information exists supporting the gut-brain axis, but additional information is needed to explore how the gut microbiome changes when exposed to mood disorder treatments. We sought to explore the effects of a novel treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), infliximab, on the gut microbiome. Methods: Participants with a primary diagnosis of BD (n = 15) who […]
Gut Microbiome Patterns Associated With Treatment Response in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Objectives: Compelling animal data exists examining the impact of the gut microbiome on the brain, but work is required to translate these findings in a clinical population. We sought to do this by exploring the effects of antidepressant medications on the gut microbiota, and establishing a baseline Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) gut phenotype. See Full Publication
The microbiome and mental health: Hope or hype?
The biggest predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, but in science we at times seem remarkably unable to learn from past experiences. Take the furor regarding the gut microbiome, especially as it pertains to mental illness. Less than 10 years ago the concept of microbial manipulation to treat mental illness was primarily hypothetical, yet […]
