Gut-brain interactions in impulsivity and impulsive violence – role of the microbiome

Czech version

Authors: Michaela Langmajerová ¹; Radka Roubalová ²; Jan Vevera ^1,3
Authors‘ workplace: Psychiatrická klinika LF UK v Plzni ¹; Mikrobiologický ústav Akademie věd ČR, Praha ²; Psychiatrická klinika FN Plzeň ³
Published in: Čes. a slov. Psychiat., 122, 2026, No. 1, pp. 7-14.
Category: Review
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsp202515

Overview

Objective: The aim of this review article was to systematically evaluate current evidence on the relationship between gut microbiome composition and manifestations of impulsivity and impulsive violence. Special emphasis was placed on the potential effects of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted from November 18, 2022 to January 18, 2025 using the databases Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Only original human studies assessing gut microbiota composition or the effect of probiotic supplementation on impulsivity and impulsive violence were included. Review articles, meta-analyses, and animal studies were excluded. A total of 472 studies were initially identified; following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were included in the final synthesis. Results: The analysis showed that gut microbiome composition may influence the level of impulsivity and impulsive violence in various populations. Differences were particularly noted in bacteria capable of producing short-chain fatty acids and those modulating the immune response. Several studies demonstrated that probiotic supplementation led to a reduction in impulsivity and an improvement in cognitive functions, with good overall tolerability. Conclusion: The results of our review confirm a significant but not yet fully understood link between the gut microbiota and impulsivity or impulsive violence. Microbial metabolites and their interactions within the gut–brain axis may influence neurocognitive functions and behaviour. Probiotic supplementation appears to be a promising adjunct to standard therapeutic approaches; however, further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to confirm causality and identify specific microbial mechanisms.

Keywords:

dysbiosis – microbiota – impulsive behaviour – impulsive violence – gut-brain axis

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Prohlášení

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MUDr. Michaela Langmajerová

Psychiatrická klinika

LF UK v Plzni

Edvarda Beneše 1128/13

305 99 Plzeň

e-mail: langmajer.michaela@gmail.com