The overlooked role of microbiota-gut-brain communication in child psychiatry: a call for integration in early intervention strategies

Emerging research has highlighted the significant role of microbiota-gut-brain communication in child psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety disorders. Despite this, mainstream psychiatric interventions for children continue to focus predominantly on neurological and psychological therapies, neglecting the critical influence of gut microbiota on brain development and behavior. This commentary underscores the need for greater integration of microbiota-targeted therapies, such as dietary interventions, prebiotics, and probiotics, into early psychiatric intervention strategies. By addressing the gut-brain axis as a key component of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric outcomes, clinicians can adopt a more holistic and biologically informed approach to treatment. We propose that future research and clinical practice should prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration to explore how microbiota-based treatments can be incorporated into existing child psychiatry frameworks, offering new avenues for improving long-term mental health outcomes.