Approximately, one-third of those who develop major depression will have a poor response to treatment and over time can become treatment resistant. Intestinal dysbiosis has been implicated in depression with systemic inflammation and vagal and enteric nerve impairment. We report on a sequel pilot study (n = 12) with a combination probiotics/magnesium orotate formulation adjuvant administered with SSRIs for treatment resistant depression. At the end of an 8-week intervention mean changes for depression scores and quality of life in the group was clinically significantly improved (p < 0.001) with all but 4 participants experiencing a benefit. An intestinal anti-inflammatory response was suggested. At 16-weeks follow-up while still on SSRI medications, the group had relapsed after cessation of the test intervention.
Keywords: Depression; Inflammation; Intestinal dysbiosis; Magnesium orotate; Probiotics; SSRI; Treatment resistance.