Study that involved transplanting people’s microbes into mice may show way to possible therapies, say scientists
While some people might relish the prospect of a new year party, for others socialising can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety and distress. Now researchers say microbes in the gut might play a role in causing social anxiety disorder, opening up fresh possibilities for therapies.
Scientists have previously found the gut microbiome – the collection of bacteria and other organisms that live in the gastrointestinal system – differs for people who have social anxiety disorder (SAD) compared with healthy individuals, while a growing body of research has revealed that microbes in the gut can influence the brain – and vice versa.
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