Keywords
Microbiota
Gut-brain axis
Anxiety
Depression
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the impact of intestinal dysbiosis on the relationship between the microbiota and psychiatric disorders, focusing on anxiety and depression, and investigating the mechanisms by which the gut-brain axis influences these conditions. Literature review: Intestinal dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in the microbiota composition, has been associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway, regulates emotional and cognitive functions, mediated by microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory signals. Changes in the microbiota, such as a reduction in short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and an increase in pro-inflammatory taxa, impact stress modulation and neural plasticity, directly influencing the expression of psychiatric symptoms. Final considerations: Intestinal dysbiosis significantly affects the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression, with the gut-brain axis playing a crucial role in regulating emotional behavior. Microbial imbalance promotes neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced neuroplasticity, which are essential factors in the development of psychiatric disorders. Therapeutic strategies such as the use of probiotics or prebiotics may hold promise in treating these conditions by restoring microbial balance and modulating emotional responses.
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