Exploring the Characteristics of Gut Microbiota Associated with Depression via the Depression Assessment Scales

Abstract

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder with an increasing economic burden, and its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Given the emerging evidence linking the gut microbiota to mental health, a better understanding of microbial profiles associated with depression is necessary. Here, we explore the association between gut microbiota and depression by utilizing 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and depression assessment scales, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The study cohort consisted of 46 subjects, who were categorized into depression and normal groups based on medical diagnoses and depression scale scores. Our analyses revealed that HDRS-based classification better identified distinct gut microbiota structures associated with depression than medical diagnoses alone. Notably, lower beta diversity was observed in individuals with depression, indicating a more homogeneous gut microbial community. By employing both HDRS and BDI scores simultaneously, we identified specific taxa, such as Bilophila and Alistipes, which are linked to depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the potential of using depression assessment scales in conjunction with gut microbiota data to advance our understanding of depression and inform future treatment strategies.