Gut microbiota: a perspective for post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder represents a major mental health issue that may arise after an individual encounters traumatic experiences, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of around 3.9% worldwide. Characterized by a range of symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder includes clusters such as intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and emotional state, as well as changes in arousal and reactivity. This condition is often associated with several comorbid disorders, including depression, anxiety, and various physical health complications. Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and post-traumatic stress disorder, suggesting that gut health may influence mental health outcomes through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This review examines the potential mechanisms by which probiotics may alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms by modulating gut microbiota composition and enhancing emotional resilience. Additionally, it discusses the role of inflammatory processes in post-traumatic stress disorder and the implications for therapeutic interventions targeting gut health. The findings underscore the need for further clinical studies to explore the efficacy of probiotics in Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment.