Psychobiotics as an Adjunctive Therapy: Modulating the Gut Microbiome for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety

Author(s)	Ms. ISHAANI JHA
Country	India
Abstract	Over the past decade, growing evidence has highlighted the intricate relationship between the gut and the brain. This connection, known as the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA), has become a focal point in understanding the biological underpinnings of emotional regulation. Psychobiotics—probiotics, prebiotics, and related microbial compounds that influence gut microbial composition—are emerging as promising adjunctive treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders. This review synthesizes contemporary research examining psychobiotics’ mechanisms of action, focusing on their effects on neurotransmitter regulation, neuroinflammation, and stress physiology. Current findings indicate that psychobiotics may alleviate mood symptoms by restoring microbial balance, enhancing neurochemical production, and normalizing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity. However, inconsistencies across studies, particularly regarding strain specificity, dosage, and duration, limit definitive conclusions. Despite these challenges, psychobiotics represent an encouraging avenue for integrated mental health treatment, particularly as a complement to conventional therapies.
Keywords	psychobiotics, probiotics, gut–brain axis, depression, anxiety, microbiota
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-11
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.60039

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research