Gut microbes 'may play role in social anxiety disorder'

While some people might relish the prospect of a new year party, for others socialising can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety and distress.

- Nicola Davis

Now researchers say microbes in the gut might play a role in causing social anxiety disorder, opening up fresh possibilities for therapies.

Scientists have previously found that the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria and other organisms that live in the gastrointestinal system, differs for people who have social anxiety disorder (SAD) compared with healthy individuals, while a growing body of research has revealed that microbes in the gut can influence the brain, and vice versa. Now researchers say they have found that when microbes from the guts of people with SAD are transplanted into mice the animals show an increased response to social fear.

The findings build on previous work showing similar results for conditions ranging from depression to irritable bowel syndrome.