The Potential of Probiotics in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Patients with schizophrenia have a higher prevalence of dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. Some probiotics significantly relieve constipation and improve insulin resistance in patients with schizophrenia, with concomitant improvement in psychiatric symptoms. Schizophrenic patients whose psychiatric symptoms are improved by probiotics have characteristics that begin with the three D’s: Dysbiosis; Decreased barrier function in intestinal tract; and Dopamine dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex such as negative symptoms. The effects of probiotics on the central nervous system are nowadays referred to as psychobiotics. However, the underlying mechanism of psychobiotics has not been fully elucidated. In this manuscript, the potential of probiotics in psychiatric practice is discussed based mainly on the author’s clinical studies. Modulation of the composition of intestinal microbiota with probiotics may be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of schizophrenia and comorbid insulin resistance.