Biomedical Research Center SAS
Topic
New approach in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapy: combined administration of antipsychotics and probiotics
PhD. program
animal physiology
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
RNDr. Jana Osacká, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava
Annotation
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric disorder that affects various biological processes, including changes in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Atypical antipsychotics, drugs used in the treatment of PTSD, in addition to suppressing the negative manifestations of PTSD, also have undesirable side effects, including affecting the intestinal microflora. Recently, the role of the intestinal microflora in psychiatric diseases, including PTSD, has been emphasized. However, the interconnections between antipsychotic treatment, intestinal microflora and the brain in PTSD have not been fully clarified yet. Therefore, the aim of the dissertation will be to reveal:
1. The effectiveness of combined antipsychotic-probiotic treatment on behavioral changes and neuroplasticity in an animal model of PTSD.
2. The effectiveness of combined antipsychotic-probiotic treatment on behavioral changes and neuroplasticity after re-exposure of PTSD-like animals to a stressor.
3. Effects of combined antipsychotic-probiotic treatment on gut microbiota profile and gut bacteria translocation in animals with PTSD.
1. The effectiveness of combined antipsychotic-probiotic treatment on behavioral changes and neuroplasticity in an animal model of PTSD.
2. The effectiveness of combined antipsychotic-probiotic treatment on behavioral changes and neuroplasticity after re-exposure of PTSD-like animals to a stressor.
3. Effects of combined antipsychotic-probiotic treatment on gut microbiota profile and gut bacteria translocation in animals with PTSD.