Depression is one of the most common health issues with devastating complications. It would sap the motivation and energy, reduce appetite, trigger irritability and confusion, as well as reduce the quality of life. In some cases, depression could be deadly by causing suicidal thoughts. The good news is that the latest advancements have brought out more new treatments for this mental condition. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Psychobiotics
Psychobiotics are live organisms that people with depression can take as probiotics to improve their symptoms. The treatment was first suggested by Irish scientists from the University College Cork. The study has found out that they contain many anti-inflammatory effects. Since stress and depression are worsened by inflammation, these substances can help normalize behaviors and abnormal immune responses.
However, the authors of the study acknowledged that they should not reduce all depressive cases to a completely biological level. Those people with depression who benefit from psychobiotics still need other treatment options to improve other aspects. Also, more research is needed to verify the effects as well as look for the long-term effectiveness of this approach. [1]