Microbiome in Patients with Depression and Anxiety; A Naturalistic Prospective Study

We longitudinally investigated the relationship between patient's prescribed medications and intestinal microbiota diversity, in a naturalistic treatment course of patients with depression and anxiety. Patients with major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders were recruited and their stool was collected at three points during their usual psychiatric treatments. 246 stool samples from 40 patients were collected. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. By categorizing patients according to their medication, we examined the impact of psychotropics; i.e. antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, on their gut microbial diversity.