Gut bacteria play a major role in causing social anxiety

Dublin: Microbes in the gut may play an important role in social anxiety disorder (SAD), a new study suggests.

Previous studies have shown that the gut microbiome (the combination of bacteria, viruses, fungi and their genes) of people with this condition is different from that of healthy people. While a study has revealed that gut microbes can influence the brain or vice versa.

Social anxiety disorder is a condition in which people are nervous about answering questions in an interview or class, talking to new people, or speaking in public.

In a recent study, researchers found that when microbes from the stomachs of people with SAD were transplanted into mice, they had an increased social fear response.

Research findings based on past studies revealed problems ranging from depression to intestinal infections.

Study co-author Professor John Cryan, from University College Cork, said scientists knew that genetics, environment and other factors could play a role in other mental problems, including SAD. This new research highlights the importance of the organisms in our gut.

The bottom line, he said, is that we need to take care of our gut microbes, especially during development and puberty, to keep the social brain functioning properly.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers analyzed DNA samples from six healthy and six SAD-affected individuals, confirming differences between the microbiomes of the two groups.

These samples were later transferred to six laboratory mice. These mice were given antibiotics to kill their natural gut microbes. After the microbes were transferred, the mice were subjected to a series of tests to observe different aspects of their behavior.

Professor John said increasing fiber and fermented foods could have beneficial effects.