Section - Quick Takes

05. Depression and Gut Bacteria: A Bidirectional Relationship?

Published on December 1, 2024 Certification expiration date: December 1, 2027

Scott R. Beach, M.D.

Associate Professor of Psychiatry - Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital

Key Points

Gut bacteria may influence depression; specific taxa were found to be protective or increase risk for MDD.
Major depressive disorder can alter the composition of gut microbiota, suggesting a bidirectional relationship.
Future treatments for depression could involve probiotics, fecal transplantation, or choosing antidepressants based on individual gut microbiomes.

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The Emerging Role of the Microbiome in Psychiatric Illnesses

I can remember the first time someone suggested to me that the makeup of bacteria in our guts or microbiome might influence a variety of psychiatric illnesses including depression. I was interviewing a candidate for residency who was doing research in this area and had started a think tank of sorts comprised of physicians from various specialties who were interested in the wide-ranging ramifications of the microbiome.

I was very skeptical to put it lightly. I commented to a colleague that it sounded like the sort of fringe theory espoused by lifestyle gurus on the internet.

Well, fast forward to over a decade later and I am increasingly eating my words. The microbiome is talked about everywhere and it’s been linked to many diverse neuropsychiatric conditions.

Study Sheds Light on Gut Bacteria’s Role in Major Depressive Disorder

A new study sheds

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Table of Contents

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Identify and explain the increased mortality risks associated with clozapine-induced ileus and pneumonia, and implement proactive management strategies for constipation and sialorrhea in patients receiving clozapine treatment.
Compare the efficacy of topiramate versus naltrexone in treating alcohol use disorder.
Evaluate the effectiveness of cariprazine as a maintenance therapy for bipolar I disorder.
Recognize that Wernicke's encephalopathy may present without the classic triad of symptoms.
Describe the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and major depressive disorder.

Original Release Date: December 1, 2024

Expiration Date: December 1, 2027

Experts: Scott Beach, M.D., David Gorelick, M.D., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. & Kristin Raj, M.D.

Medical Editor: Flavio Guzmán, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

Oliver Freudenreich declares the following interests:

- Alkermes: Research grant, consultant honoraria

- Janssen: Research grant, consultant honoraria

- Otsuka: Research grant

- Karuna: Research grant, consultant honoraria

- Neurocrine: Consultant honoraria

- Vida: Consultant honoraria

- American Psychiatric Association: Consultant honoraria

- Medscape: Honoraria

- Elsevier: Honoraria

- Wolters-Kluwer: Royalties

- UpToDate: Royalties, honoraria

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

None of the other faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

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This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.