Gut Microbiome in Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are severe mental disorders, both placing a significant burden on individuals’ wellbeing and global health generally. The complex interaction of multiple mechanisms, underlying these disorders, still needs further elucidation. Increased activation of components of the immune system may be involved, including alterations in intestinal permeability and the gut microbiome. Probiotics, defined as living microorganisms conferring health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts, may have some supportive therapeutic effect in psychiatric disorders.