Many microorganisms have been proposed as potential psychotropic agents including: 
- Streptococcus thermophiles
- Bifidobacterium animalis
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus helveticus
- Bacillus coagulans

Beneficial microorganisms in psychobiotics 

Ingestion of moderate amounts of the microorganisms in psychobiotics can assist in the production of neuroactive substances, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, glutamate, and may also regulate proteins such as brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which are important in the regulation of functions and behaviors related to the central nervous system (CNS). Research has suggested that the administration of psychobiotics can be effective in treating depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Physiological effects of psychobiotics 

According to research, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of depressive disorders in women are different than those with men. Therefore, the composition of gut microbiota in men and women suffering from major depressive disorder differ from one another, which might stand for different psychobiotic efficacy. In a study examining the effects of psychobiotics on major depressive disorder, there was less efficacy in women compared to men. 

Gender difference in the efficacy of psychobiotics

The antidepressant efficacy of probiotics and improved cognition is demonstrated in recent research. Multiple studies have reported improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognition along with somatic components. 

Antidepressant Efficacy of Psychobiotics

The network of connections involving multiple biological systems that allow bidirectional communication between gut bacteria and brain. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in brain physiology and myelination, in which major depressive disorder is associated with abnormalities in brain myelin content. 

Microbiota-gut-brain axis 

Research has shown that the occurrence and development of depression are often accompanied by gut microbial changes, such as the reduced abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. 

Relationship between depression and gut microorganisms 

Psychobiotics are beneficial bacteria (probiotics) or support for such bacteria (prebiotics) that influence bactera-brain relationships and have great therapeutic potential for the treatment of psychiatric diseases. 

University of Illinois at Chicago

- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Physiological Approaches
- Combination Approaches
- Telepsychiatry
 - Virtual Reality (VR) Intervention
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) 
- Neurosurgery
- Psychological Intervention
- Mind-Body Intervention
Nutraceuticals
- Psychobiotics
- Trauma-Informed Mindfulness 
- Integrative Psychotherapy 

Treatment Methods Used in Health Psychology

de Araújo, F. F., & de Paulo Farias, D. (2020). Psychobiotics: An emerging alternative to ensure mental health amid the COVID-19 outbreak?. Trends in food science & technology, 103, 386.

Psychobiotics: An emerging alternative to ensure mental health amid the COVID-19 outbreak?

Pharmacotherapy is therapy using pharmaceutical drugs, as distinguished from therapy using surgery, radiation, and movement. 

Pharmacotherapy

The use of information and communication technology as means to deliver psychiatric services remotely. It may include videoconferencing, phone-based applications, asynchronous services, etc. In telepsychiatry, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and nurses collaborate with psychiatrists.


Telepsychiatry

VR interventions are utilized for clinical & practical purposes, interventions cover a wide array of areas. Research suggests VR interventions compare favorable to existing treatment. 

VR interventions

Neurosurgery is a term used to refer to surgical procedures involving the nervous system. Some specific surgeries of this type are able to treat psychological illnesses.

Neurosurgery

Psychological intervention is defined as a relationship aimed at promoting a better adaptation of the individual to a given situation and thereby optimizing his or her personal resources in relation to autonomy, self-knowledge and self-help 

Psychological Intervention

Mind-body interventions are health and fitness interventions that are intended to work on a physical and mental level such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation, and yoga.

Mind-Body Intervention

The study of the use of extracts and compounds obtained from mushrooms as medicines or health-promoting agents. Mycotherapy, also known as fungal or mushroom therapy, is a branch of natural medicine exploring the therapeutic properties and potential health benefits of various mushrooms. The practice of using mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been observed in different cultures throughout history, and it continues to gain recognition and scientific interest in modern times.

Mycotherapy

References for treatment methods used in health psychology go here. 

Treatment Methods Used in Health Psychology References

Psychobiotics 

Trauma-informed mindfulness is a mindfulness practice paired with trauma specific psychoeducation to facilitate awareness of and exposure to conditioned trauma responses, without avoidance or reactivity to those experiences. 

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy centered on helping clients examine and change the relationship between their thoughts and their behaviors. The primary goal is to identify and modify cognitive distortions and self-defeating actions, thereby changing not only how individuals think but also how they act in response to various situations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a biologically based treatment for severe mental disorders, particularly severe depression that has not responded to drug therapy. The procedure involves using an electrical current to induce seizures, which helps alleviate symptoms. While the exact mechanism of action is not understood, ECT has a high success rate, with about 85% of patients showing improvement. However, due to significant side effects like memory loss associated with repeated treatments, it is typically implemented as a last resort.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

In the context of addiction treatment, behavioral therapy plays a crucial role in motivating individuals to engage with their treatment program. It also equips them with practical strategies for managing cravings and preventing relapse.

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