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Gut microbiome differences in individuals with PTSD compared to trauma-exposed controls: a systematic review
Chantelle Winder1,2, Ami Lodhia3, Melissa Basso1
1Social Brain and Development Lab, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|March 11, 2025
Summary
Gut microbiome differences exist in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specific bacterial taxa may increase PTSD risk or offer resilience, suggesting potential gut-brain axis interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Microbiology
- Gut-brain axis research
- Mental health and microbiome interactions
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health condition following trauma exposure.
- Mechanisms underlying PTSD are not fully understood, but gut abnormalities suggest a role for the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis.
- Previous research links the gut microbiome to various mental health disorders, yet its specific role in PTSD remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on gut microbiome differences between individuals with PTSD and trauma-exposed controls (TEC).
- To explore potential risk and resilience factors for PTSD development associated with gut microbiome composition.
- To identify implications for novel PTSD treatments targeting the gut microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies comparing gut microbiome composition in individuals with PTSD and TEC.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies examining microbial taxa differences and their correlation with PTSD.
- Literature search and synthesis of findings from eligible studies.
Main Results:
- Three studies met the inclusion criteria, all reporting differences in gut microbial taxa between PTSD and TEC groups.
- One study identified significantly lower gut microbial diversity in individuals with PTSD.
- Specific genera (e.g., Mitsuokella, Odoribacter) and phyla (e.g., Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia) were correlated with PTSD symptom severity.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiome composition differs between individuals with and without PTSD, suggesting its involvement in the disorder.
- Certain gut microbial profiles may represent risk factors or protective elements against PTSD development.
- Findings support the potential for microbiome-targeted interventions, such as psychobiotics, for PTSD treatment, though further research with larger sample sizes and controlled variables is needed.
Keywords:
PTSDgut microbiomegut-brain axismicrobiome gut-brain axispost traumatic stress disordertraumaMore Related Videos
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