Gut Microbiome and Depression: Bidirectional Communication and Implications for Treatment

Abstract

Gut microbial diversity has been strongly associated with mood-related behaviors, including major depressive disorder (MDD), with an emerging potential to revolutionize both the diagnosis and treatment of depression. This article reviews the communication systems between the gut and the brain and the association between gut inflammatory conditions and depression. It further reviews the role of the gut microbiota in the treatment of depression, from pharmacological treatment to the use of probiotics and dietary treatments.