Abstract

In COVID-19 patient’s cytokine interaction in various brain areas through different neuronal pathways leads to disturbance in emotional behaviour, low mood or loss of interest, and changes in appetite and sleep. COVID-19 activates various cascades of inflammation, resulting in an increased level of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and interferon-γ with a parallel decrease in the antiinflammatory factors IL-10 and transforming growth factor β-1, similarly seen in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. In the last decade, neuro-gastroenterology research has revealed a significant direct biochemical neurotransmitter signaling between the gastrointestinal (GI) and central nervous system (CNS) called as “gut-brain axis.” Commercially available probiotics when given in adequate amounts emerged as a compelling candidate in addition to other antipsychotic drugs for the regulation of mental health. Probiotics and prebiotics are shown to reduce cortisol stress response and directly produce neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, noradrenaline, acetylcholine and dopamine in the sensory brain network area of the brain, controlling central processing for emotions and sensation In the light of current shreds of evidence, probiotics can improve the psychiatric face of COVID-19 and can be potentially used as a novel treatment in combination with other antidepressants treatment.