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Fecal microbiota in pediatric depression and its relation to bowel habits

Yuan-Yue Zhou1, Xue Zhang2, Li-Ya Pan3

  • 1Department of Medical Psychology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

Journal of Psychiatric Research
|April 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric depression is linked to gut microbiota changes, including lower microbial diversity and an overgrowth of certain bacteria. These gut bacteria alterations may also influence bowel habits in children with depression.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Pediatric psychiatry
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis is known in adult depression.
  • The gut microbiome's role in pediatric depression is not well understood.
  • The relationship between gut microbiota and bowel habits in children with depression requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze gut microbiota structure and composition in children with depression.
  • To explore the connection between gut microbiota and bowel habits in pediatric depression.
  • To identify specific bacterial taxa associated with pediatric depression.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess gut microbial populations.
  • A cohort of 171 children (101 with depression, 70 controls) aged 12-18 years was studied.
  • Validation was performed on a smaller group of 30 drug-naive patients and 23 controls.

Main Results:

  • Children with depression exhibited reduced microbial richness and diversity compared to controls.
  • A distinct metagenomic composition was observed, with fewer short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria.
  • Overgrowth of bacteria like Escherichia-Shigella and Flavonifractor was noted in pediatric depression.
  • Similar findings were confirmed in drug-naive patients, suggesting these changes are not solely due to medication.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric depression is associated with significant alterations in gut microbiota composition and diversity.
  • Specific bacterial taxa are implicated in the pathogenesis of disordered bowel habits in children with depression.
  • Findings may guide future interventions for pediatric depression targeting gut bacteria and bowel movements.

Keywords:
AdolescentChildrenDepressiveGutMicrobiome

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