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These studies suggest that antibiotics may increase the risk of depression through mechanisms involving gut microbiota disruption, brain-gut axis interactions, and direct physiological effects.
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The relationship between antibiotic use and depression has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Research suggests that antibiotics may influence mental health by altering the gut microbiota, which in turn affects the brain-gut axis. This synthesis aims to present key insights from multiple studies to determine whether antibiotics cause depression.
Gut Microbiota Disruption and Depression:
Increased Risk with Antibiotic Exposure:
Specific Antibiotics and Depression:
Mechanisms of Action:
Population-Specific Findings:
Psychiatric Side Effects:
The evidence suggests a strong link between antibiotic use and an increased risk of depression. This relationship is primarily mediated through the disruption of the gut microbiota and subsequent effects on the brain-gut axis. Specific antibiotics and recurrent use further elevate this risk, with certain populations being more vulnerable. Understanding these mechanisms can help in developing strategies to mitigate the mental health risks associated with antibiotic use.
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