Diet, Microbiome, and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Abstract Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression are among the most prevalent diseases in the Western world. It is estimated that 6.1% of all disability adjusted life years are attributable to neuropsychiatric disorders, leading to an economic burden of 3%–4% of worldwide GNP. Nevertheless, current treatment approaches are only partially effective, and are associated with stigma and side effects that limit compliance. Neuropsychiatric disorders are increasingly attributed to metabolic factors, many of which can be traced to both dietary and microbiomal factors. This chapter reviews dietary/microbiomal contributions to neuropsychiatric illness, as well as emergent dietary-based prevention and management approaches. In addition, this chapter reviews critical approaches by which the study of the microbiome can help elucidate mechanisms underlying severe and highly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as mechanisms by which dietary and microbiomal interventions can replace or minimize need for neuropharmacological intervention.