Efeito do uso de psicobióticos sobre os distúrbios de depressão e ansiedade: revisão de ensaios clínicos randomizados

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the use of psychobiotics on anxiety and depression disorders in the study population. Methods: This is a literature review, based on randomized clinical trials (RCT), selected in Portuguese and English. Results: Six RCTs were selected, lasting between 4 and 24 weeks, with individuals of both sexes and aged between 18 and 65 years. One of the studies observed a beneficial effect in the treatment of anxiety, in addition to an improvement in psychometric parameters according to the anxiety test. Another study found that taking a pill containing Lactobacillus gasseri significantly reduced the STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and improved anxiety, depression and mood. A study carried out with 40 individuals observed that the ingestion of probiotics reduced the general cognitive reactivity to depression and mainly negative and ruminative thoughts. Two studies proposed dietary intervention and psychobiotic supplementation and found that this association was beneficial. In turn, one of the studies found no change in geriatric depression with the consumption of probiotics. Conclusion: Psychobiotics are a potential therapeutic strategy. The use of several psychobiotic strains together seems to be more effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms than a single strain. However, more studies are needed to define the safe prescription of psychobiotics in the treatment of depression and anxiety.