Volume 36, Issue 11 pp. 1004-1025
REVIEW

The gut microbiome in psychiatry: A primer for clinicians

Michael Van Ameringen

Corresponding Author

Michael Van Ameringen

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Correspondence Michael van Ameringen, MacAnxiety Research Centre, 1057 Main St. W., Suite L02, Hamilton, ON L8S1B7, Canada.

Email: [email protected]

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Jasmine Turna

Jasmine Turna

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Present address: Jasmine Turna, Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada and Rebecca Anglin, School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fiona Stanley Hospital, University of Western Australia, Australia.

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Beth Patterson

Beth Patterson

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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Amy Pipe

Amy Pipe

MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

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Randi Q. Mao

Randi Q. Mao

MacAnxiety Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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Rebecca Anglin

Rebecca Anglin

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Farncombe Family Digestive Health Researcth Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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Michael G. Surette

Michael G. Surette

Farncombe Family Digestive Health Researcth Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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First published: 29 July 2019
Citations: 32

Abstract

Research in the past decade has shown that variations in the gut microbiome may influence behavior, and vice versa. As such, interest in the role of the gut microbiome in psychiatric conditions has drawn immense interest. This is evidenced by the recent surge in published studies examining microbial dysbiosis in clinical psychiatric populations, particularly autism spectrum disorder and depression. However, critical examination of these studies reveals methodological flaws in design and execution, suggesting that they may not be held to the same standards as other bodies of clinical research. Given the complex nature of the gut microbiome, this narrative review attempts to clarify concepts critical to effectively examine its potential role in psychopathology to appropriately inform mental health researchers. More specifically, the numerous variables known to affect the gut microbiome are discussed, including inflammation, diet, weight, and medications. A comprehensive review of the extant microbiome literature in clinical psychiatric populations is also provided, in addition to clinical implications and suggestions for future directions of research. Although there is a clear need for additional studies to elucidate the gut microbiome's role in psychiatric disorders, there is an even greater need for well-designed, appropriately controlled studies to truly impact the field.

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