[Microbiome and psychiatry: autism as an example].

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Psychiatric disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background:

• The microbiome significantly impacts medicine, with growing interest in its role in psychiatric disorders' pathogenesis and treatment.
• Patients and families increasingly inquire about microbiome-related therapies.
• Understanding the microbiome-behavior connection is crucial for advancing psychiatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the microbiome's relationship with behavior and psychiatric disorders.
• To specifically examine the link between the microbiome and autism spectrum disorder.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was conducted.
• Searches were performed in PubMed and PsycInfo databases.
• Keywords included microbiota, microbiome, mental disorders, psychiatric disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.

Main Results:

• A substantial body of research highlights the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota composition and behavior.
• Gut microbiome composition influences human behavior through complex biological pathways.
• Evidence from placebo-controlled trials on microbiome interventions remains limited.

Conclusions:

• Definitive conclusions regarding microbiome-based diagnosis and therapy for psychiatric disorders are premature.
• Further scientific research is essential to elucidate these connections.
• The critical role of microbiota in host biochemical homeostasis is becoming increasingly evident.