Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 16 to 65

Probiotics for improving cognition in patients with bipolar disorder

Official title: Effect of Probiotic vs Placebo on Cognition Outcomes in Patients With Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Run by First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University · NCT05954598 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing whether taking probiotics can help improve thinking and memory in people with stable bipolar disorder.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages16 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT05954598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are stable bipolar disorder patients aged 16-65 who meet specific diagnostic criteria and have not taken probiotics recently.

Probably not a fit

Patients with acute bipolar episodes or those who have recently used probiotics or antibiotics may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of probiotics on cognitive function in patients with stable bipolar disorder. A total of 100 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either probiotics or a placebo for 12 weeks. The study aims to evaluate changes in cognitive function, clinical symptoms, and potential mechanisms of action related to gut microbiome influence. Assessments will include cognitive tests, physical symptoms, sleep quality, and serum cortisol levels before and after the intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel approach to improving cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder.

How similar studies have gone: While the role of probiotics in mental health is emerging, this specific approach to cognitive function in bipolar disorder is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1)Both biological parents were Han. 2) Age 16-65 years old, male or female; 3) The subjects met the DSM-5 clinical diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale score (HAMD-17) ≤16 points, Hamilton Anxiety Scale score ≤7 points, and Young Mania Scale score ≤5 points were maintained for more than 2 months. All enrolled patients were evaluated by a professional and systematically trained psychiatrist.

4) No probiotic preparations such as yogurt were taken within 1 month before enrollment; 5) No clear history of respiratory tract, urinary system, digestive system infection or antibiotic use within 1 month before enrollment; 6) The drug regimen remained stable within 1 month before enrollment; 7) Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ) score ≥17 points; 8) Right-handed; 9) Primary school education or above; 10) Informed consent of patients and their families to this study. Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those who meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, dementia, memory impairment, or other cognitive disabilities;
2. Those who had used ECT before enrollment;
3. Those who currently have serious suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or who are severely agitated;
4. Those who cannot follow the doctor's advice or have no guardian;
5. Pregnant or lactating women, or those planning pregnancy.
6. Patients with abnormal brain structure or any MRI contraindications found by magnetic resonance examination.
7. Mental disorders caused by substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc.), people with serious physical diseases, such as thyroid disease, heart disease, abnormal liver and kidney function, etc.; 8)Can not tolerate any probiotic preparations or have a history of allergy.

Where it's running

  • The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU)
    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.