Evidence grows that gut microbes shape mental health, opening doors for new therapies (Medical Xpress)

A new review in Nature Mental Health strengthens the case that the gut microbiome directly shapes brain chemistry, stress responses, and behavior. Researchers at the University of South Australia highlight disrupted gut patterns in depression and schizophrenia, early clinical gains from probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants, and evidence that psychiatric drugs alter gut flora. With nearly one in seven people affected by mental disorders, the findings position microbiome-based therapies as promising, low-cost, and scalable options for future mental health care.