A new study from APC Microbiome Ireland at UCC has revealed a connection between Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and the mix of bacteria in our guts.
The research suggests that understanding this link could lead to new ways of helping people with social anxiety.
The UCC study found people with social anxiety have different types of bacteria in their guts compared to those without the disorder.
When they transferred bacteria from people with social anxiety to mice, the mice became more scared in social situations, as if they were experiencing social anxiety too.
The mice with social anxiety bacteria had changes in their brain oxytocin levels (related to social bonding) and their immune systems.
The APC Microbiome Ireland research centre at UCC and Teagasc focuses on understanding how the bacteria in our guts affect our health, including mental health.
The study suggests that the mix of bacteria in our guts could be a target for helping with social anxiety.
In the United States, around 15 million adults, or 7.1% of the population, deal with Social Anxiety Disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Understanding this link between gut microbes and social anxiety could lead to better ways of helping people who struggle with social situations.
