Gut feeling: probiotics may soothe teen anxiety after surgery

NCT ID NCT07640490

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving oral probiotics to adolescents before non-cardiac, non-digestive surgeries could reduce anxiety and depression afterward. 150 teens aged 12-17 were randomly assigned to receive either probiotics or a placebo. Researchers measured anxiety and depression scores over two months after surgery, along with blood markers of inflammation. The goal is to find a simple way to improve mental recovery after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

oral probiotics

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to ease anxiety and depression in teens after surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase, small trial (150 participants) with no results yet. Probiotics may not affect mood, and individual responses vary.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Henan Provincial People's Hospital

    Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China