Gut microbes may play role in social anxiety disorder, say researchers

One of the study’s authors said increasing intake of fermented foods might have beneficial effects for those with SAD. Photograph: Nungning20/Getty Images/iStockphoto

While some people might relish the prospect of a new year party, for others socialising can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety and distress. Now researchers say microbes in the gut may play a role in causing social anxiety disorder, opening up fresh possibilities for therapies.

Scientists have previously found 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.