Depression Probiotic Research Study
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, are studying how taking probiotics might affect the brain and gut health of teens and young adults with depression.
Fast Facts
Teens & Young Adults
Ages 15-24 Diagnosed with Depression
Have Been Taking Medication for Depression for 8+ Weeks
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in San Francisco, CA
Study Background
Probiotics for Teen & Young Adult Depression
Adolescence and young adulthood are important times for brain growth, but depression is all too common in people aged 15 to 24. Recent research hints that the trillions of bacteria living in our gut might talk to our brain and affect our mood. This study aims to find out whether giving teens and young adults a daily probiotic can change their gut bacteria and, in turn, help their brain feel and work better.
To do this, we’ll sign up young people who are feeling depressed and have them take either a probiotic or a look-alike probiotic (a placebo) twice a day for eight weeks. They’ll visit UCSF’s Mission Bay campus twice—once at the start and once at the end—for MRI brain scans. In between, they’ll collect their own stool and saliva samples at home and fill out simple online surveys about how they’re feeling. By comparing the probiotic group to the placebo group, we hope to see whether these friendly microbes can really make a difference in teens and young adults with depression.
Study Background
Probiotics for Teen & Young Adult Depression
Adolescence and young adulthood are important times for brain growth, but depression is all too common in people aged 15 to 24. Recent research hints that the trillions of bacteria living in our gut might talk to our brain and affect our mood. This study aims to find out whether giving teens and young adults a daily probiotic can change their gut bacteria and, in turn, help their brain feel and work better.
To do this, we’ll sign up young people who are feeling depressed and have them take either a probiotic or a look-alike probiotic (a placebo) twice a day for eight weeks. They’ll visit UCSF’s Mission Bay campus twice—once at the start and once at the end—for MRI brain scans. In between, they’ll collect their own stool and saliva samples at home and fill out simple online surveys about how they’re feeling. By comparing the probiotic group to the placebo group, we hope to see whether these friendly microbes can really make a difference in teens and young adults with depression.
Additional Information
The study is being done to find out whether taking probiotics can change brain activity and gut bacteria in teens and young adults with depression. By exploring this gut-brain connection, researchers hope to uncover new ways to treat and improve mental health in young people.
You/your child may qualify for this study if the following criteria are met.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with depression
- Have been taking SSRI medication for depression (e.g., Zoloft, Prozac, or Lexapro) for 8+ weeks
- Ages 15-24
- Under the care of a primary care provider or mental health clinician
- Access to smartphone, tablet, or computer
- Consume less than 2 drinks per week
- Fluent in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Regular use of tobacco products
- Limitations to safely undergoing an MRI scan (e.g., cochlear implants, shunts with metal components, or orthopedic hardware)
- Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future
If you decide to take part in this study, here’s what you can expect:
Screening & Enrollment
You’ll complete a health and mood questionnaire (online or by phone) to see if you qualify.
If you’re eligible and agree to join, we’ll schedule your first in-person visit at UCSF Mission Bay.
Visit 1 at UCSF (Week 0)
Consent forms are reviewed prior to the participant coming in.
Stool and saliva samples are collected and brought to the MRI visit.
Undergo a brain MRI scan (about 45–60 minutes).
Fill out baseline mood and health questionnaires.
Receive an 8-week supply of probiotics (or placebo).
Home Routine (Weeks 1–8)
Twice daily (morning & evening), take one study probiotic with water.
Complete online surveys every 2 weeks about your mood, sleep, and any side effects.
Virtual Check-Ins
A study coordinator will video-chat via Zoom with you every 2 weeks to answer questions, review questionnaire data, and ensure everything’s going smoothly.
Visit 2 at UCSF (Week 8)
Return to Mission Bay for your final MRI scan.
Turn in any remaining probiotics, and your last set of stool and saliva samples.
Complete end-of-study questionnaires to assess changes in mood and health.
By following these steps, you’ll help us understand whether taking probiotics can alter gut bacteria and brain function in adolescents with depression.
For participating in the study, you will be paid up to a total of $200 for completion of all study aspects.
There is no cost to you for participating in the study.
