GUT–BRAIN AXIS DYSFUNCTION AS A BIOLOGICAL TARGET IN SUICIDE PREVENTION

Abstract

Suicide remains a major global public health concern, traditionally explained through psychological and socio-environmental factors. However, emerging evidence highlights the critical role of biological mechanisms, particularly the gut–brain axis, in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior. The gut–brain axis represents a bidirectional communication network involving the intestinal microbiota, central nervous system, immune pathways, and neuroendocrine signaling. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been associated with mood disorders, stress dysregulation, systemic inflammation, and altered neurotransmitter metabolism—key contributors to suicidal ideation and behavior. Increasing evidence suggests that chronic low-grade inflammation, impaired serotonin synthesis, and hyperactivation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis may mediate the relationship between gut dysfunction and suicidality. This review explores the role of the gut–brain axis in suicide risk and emphasizes its potential as a novel target for suicide prevention strategies. Interventions aimed at restoring gut microbiota balance, including dietary modification, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory approaches, may serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional psychiatric treatment. Integrating gut-focused interventions into suicide prevention frameworks offers a promising, multidimensional approach to improving mental resilience and reducing suicide risk.