Story perspectives

Study Links Gut Microbiome to Mental Health Medications

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Tartu and the University of South Australia are studying the links between medication, gut microbiome, and mental health.
A study with over 2,500 participants found that past medication use significantly alters gut microbes, with lasting effects from drugs like antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another review indicates that changes in the gut microbiome can influence brain chemistry and mental health disorders.
The researchers advocate for microbiome-based therapies and stress the need for larger, long-term studies to explore these connections.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of Tartu and the University of South Australia are studying the links between medication, gut microbiome, and mental health.
A study with over 2,500 participants found that past medication use significantly alters gut microbes, with lasting effects from drugs like antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Another review indicates that changes in the gut microbiome can influence brain chemistry and mental health disorders.
The researchers advocate for microbiome-based therapies and stress the need for larger, long-term studies to explore these connections.