Cork researchers make ‘significant breakthrough’ for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder 

New research from APC Microbiome Ireland (APC) at University College Cork (UCC) has discovered that the microbes in your gut may play a key role in social anxiety disorder (SAD). The discovery is described as a “significant advance.” .

Research results “Gut microbiota associated with social anxiety disorder increases social fear”The authors say the findings suggest that the gut microbiome plays a role in the heightened social fear response associated with SAD and may be a potential therapeutic target.

This analysis showed that as a result of transplanting microbiota from six SAD patients into mice, the mice showed increased susceptibility to fear conditioning during social interactions, as well as changes in immunity and immunity. It is casually based on the recent discovery that SAD patients have a different microbiome compared to healthy individuals. brain function.

The study, led by Professor John F. Cryan, principal investigator at APC and vice president of research and innovation at UCC, said:

“The discovery of the link between the microbiome and SAD conditions is an important advance as the microbiome is a potential therapeutic target.”

Dr. Nathaniel Ritz, a researcher who worked on the study while at APC, suggests that it may be possible to harness the microbiome to devise therapeutic interventions to combat SAD.

“Our study shows that the SAD microbiome can drive the symptoms characteristic of the disease,” he said.

“This offers exciting possibilities in our efforts to develop treatments for patients suffering from SAD.”

Professor Paul Ross, Director of APC, said: “We continue to discover how the microbes in our gut influence a range of human diseases and conditions, including those related to mental health and wellbeing. ” he said.

“Social anxiety disorder can be a deadly condition, and this new discovery opens up new treatment avenues that take the microbiome into account and the potential to alter its composition to improve health. Cut it open,” Ross said.