Using probiotics to help treat depression in teenagers
Official title: Probiotic Administration for Adolescent Depression
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10930815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special blend of probiotics called Visbiome® can help improve depression symptoms in teens aged 12 to 20 by exploring how it affects their brain and gut health, especially for those who haven't found relief with regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,813 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AT012028-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have been diagnosed with a clinical depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without a clinical diagnosis of depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of probiotics, specifically a multi-strain formulation called Visbiome®, to improve symptoms of depression in adolescents aged 12 to 20. The study aims to understand how these probiotics can affect brain connectivity and the gut microbiome, which are believed to be linked to mental health. By monitoring changes in brain function and gut bacteria, the research seeks to identify new, effective treatments for adolescent depression, especially for those who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, non-invasive treatment option for adolescents suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of probiotics for mental health is an emerging field, preliminary studies suggest potential benefits, indicating that this approach is promising but still requires further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Cherry — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Leung, Cherry
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.