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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
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