Probiotic Formulation for Patients With Bipolar or Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background and hypothesis

Probiotic augmentation offers a promising treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). By targeting microbiome deviations, they may improve both gut and brain health.

Study design

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with the multi-strain probiotic formulation Ecologic BARRIER, we aimed to improve psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, intestinal permeability, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with BD or SSD. A total of 131 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either the probiotic supplement (n = 67) or a placebo (n = 64) for 3 months, in addition to treatment-as-usual. The primary outcomes were symptom severity assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and cognitive functioning by

SUBMITTER: Borkent J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12597526 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature