Synergistic modulation of gut microbiota and mindfulness-based interventions in schizophrenia: Integrating neurotransmitter regulation and multimodal therapeutic strategies
Izabela Zajkowska, Patrycja Niczyporuk, Aleksandra Giba, Kamila Iłendo, Wiktor Królikiewicz, Rafał Marecki, Aleksandra Kicman
Quality in Sport May 12, 2025 DOI: 10.12775/qs.2025.41.59834 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Schizophrenia object-oriented programming Multimodal therapy Psychological intervention Gut flora Neurotransmitter systems Psychotherapist Dopamine Immunology Central nervous system |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Proposes that combining probiotics, prebiotics, and mindfulness-based interventions may synergistically target gut–brain axis dysregulation in schizophrenia, though controlled clinical studies are needed. |
Abstract
This review explores an innovative, integrative therapeutic approach that combines probiotics, prebiotics, and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to target the dysregulation of the gut–brain axis in schizophrenia. The rationale for this combined strategy is rooted in the overlapping mechanisms by which both biological and psychosocial interventions influence neurophysiological processes. Probiotics and prebiotics are shown to rebalance the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing the synthesis of key neurotransmitters—such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine—and reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. In parallel, MBIs, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), promote improvements in emotional regulation, cognitive function, and neuroplasticity through the modulation of neurophysiological pathways, notably by attenuating amygdala reactivity and heightening prefrontal cortex engagement. Viewing these interventions through the unifying lens of the gut–brain axis presents a promising paradigm: both modalities may exert synergistic effects to support the management of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia and complement existing therapeutic approaches. By converging on shared biological and psychosocial pathways, this integrative model could offer a more comprehensive strategy for addressing the multifaceted challenges of schizophrenia. While preliminary evidence is encouraging, further controlled clinical studies are essential to determine optimal treatment protocols and to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these therapies interact to enhance patient outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2007
- Dispositional Mindfulness and Psychotic Symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The Mediating Roles of Rumination and Negative Emotion Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2022
- Mixed-Mode Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psychological resilience, Self Esteem and Stigma of patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry March 4, 2024
- Mindfulness-based interventions for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review of the literature. Schizophrenia Research February 1, 2024
- The Relationship Between Mindfulness, Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Frontiers in Psychology September 3, 2021
and 2 more in the library