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

A study that involved transplanting people’s microbes into mice may show the way to possible therapies

Scientists say their experiments results suggest the gut microbiome can play a causal role in heightened social fear responses 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. 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 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 .