Gut health may hold key to preventing mania relapse

NCT ID NCT03383874

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether taking a daily probiotic supplement could prevent relapse in people recently hospitalized for mania. Over 24 weeks, 66 participants received either the probiotic or a placebo. The main goal was to see if the probiotic reduced the need for re-hospitalization. Researchers also tracked mood symptoms, thinking skills, and gut bacteria changes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, safe add-on treatment to help people with bipolar disorder stay stable after a manic episode.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 66 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be small or not better than placebo.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BIPOLAR I DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder bipolar I disorder Mania Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective bipolar disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MANIA (NEUROTIC)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Psychoneuroendocrine Research Program

Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.