The stomach’s turn: elucidating the gut–brain axis

Abstract

Philosophers and scientists have debated for centuries about how cognition and emotions are produced and the causal roles the body and brain serve. The advent of more sophisticated models of gut–brain axis communication have contributed substantially to the understanding of these key pathways and have identified functional differences associated with depression and anxiety. New work highlights the potential importance of stomach–brain coupling in interpreting interoceptive states in mental health conditions.