Probiotics as an Adjuvant for Microbiota-gut-brain Axis Dysfunction in Depression

Abstract: Depression is a debilitating disorder, and it is expected to overtake cardiac illnesses as the top source of disease burden in 7 years. It is a psychiatric disorder that is diagnosed by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5). Depression has been historically treated with antidepressants in which most individuals respond well, however, there remains a percentage of individuals who do not respond to antidepressants and may benefit by new research in a different direction to help treat their symptoms. Research targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis using probiotics, has shown symptoms of depression have the potential to be reduced. The communication between the gut microbiota and the human body is termed the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Since the MGB axis is directly connected to the brain, it has a significant bearing on both mood and behavior. Understanding the makeup of gut bacteria in people who suffer from depression can ultimately lead to new research pursuing adjuvant medications such as probiotics that have the possibility to change the gut composition and regulate the human’s physiology. In this poster we discuss a case of a 65–year-old female with a past psychiatric history of Major Depressive Disorder who is on Cymbalta 60 mg daily with suboptimal results who seeks other ways to minimize her depressive symptoms. Using this case, we then explain the potential probiotics have in decreasing depressive symptoms along with antidepressants as well as report the current literature findings on using probiotics to target the MGB axis in depression.Short Description: With new research on the microbiota-gut-brain axis dysfunction in depression, this case report uses probiotics as an adjuvant to antidepressants to help treat a patient with continued depressive symptoms on an antidepressant alone. Using probiotics has the potential to change the gut composition and regulate both mood and behavior.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A