Latest news with #Lachnospiraceae
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
How kissing can actually spread depression and anxiety: study
Baby got bac! We all know that kissing and other close contact can transmit infections like the common cold, mononucleosis and herpes. A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing, too. 3 A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing. – Depression and anxiety can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth. Spouses can transfer this bacteria while smooching — in fact, prior research found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred in just one 10-second kiss. The authors of the new study found that when one spouse had poor mental health and trouble sleeping, the healthy partner suffered similar symptoms after just six months. Bacteria were to blame. 'Specifically, in couples where one partner had [depression/anxiety], the oral microbiota of the healthy spouse mirrored that of the affected partner,' the researchers wrote in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine journal. 3 Depression and anxiety can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth. Tinnakorn – The team followed 268 newlywed Iranian couples. One set of the honeymooners reported struggling with depression, anxiety and sleep problems while their spouses were healthy at the start of the study. Participants completed surveys about their mental health and provided saliva samples for cortisol measurement and oral bacteria swabs for DNA analysis. The researchers reported that the healthy spouses, particularly women, had significant increases in depression, anxiety and sleep difficulties after six months. These symptoms were not as intense as their partners'. Four types of bacteria — Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus and Lachnospiraceae — were relatively abundant in the samples. Some species of these bacteria may be harmful to health. 3 Prior research found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred in just one 10-second kiss. Alessandro Grandini – The researchers acknowledged several limitations to the study, including not taking into account underlying health issues and dietary factors that may influence oral bacteria. They suggest exploring whether bacteria play a role in other mental and brain-related conditions. Therapists and researchers have long recognized that a person's mental health struggles can have a 'ripple effect' on loved ones. This new study suggests that this impact is fueled in part by harmful mouth bacteria. Studies have identified other ways couples can be in sync. Their heart rates, sleep patterns and even their stress and reproductive hormones can synchronize over time.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
You can 'catch' depression and anxiety by kissing your partner; New study reveals shocking 'transmission'
'In sickness and in health.' It's not for nothing that these words are conventionally included in the standard wedding vows. Turns out, partners sometimes become way more than soulmates; at times, in sickness – especially in the case of mental health – they might share your health issues as well. In a groundbreaking revelation, a recent study has revealed a surprising link between mental health and intimate acts between romantic partners. According to the study, your partner's mental health could potentially impact yours through the mere act of kissing! Read on to find out more about the 'contagion'. What does the study say? As per a 2025 study of newlywed couples in Iran, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine , your partner's mental health could potentially impact your own through the exchange of oral bacteria. The study revealed that depression and anxiety can indeed be transmitted between partners through intimate interactions like kissing. This phenomenon, which was particularly highlighted in the research conducted amongst newlywed couples, showed that a mentally healthy spouse could start exhibiting signs of mental health issues after just six months of marriage to a partner struggling with depression. The study followed the dynamics of 1,740 couples, all newly married for an average of six months. The research, led by independent researcher Reza Rastmanesh, focused on contrasting two groups: one consisting of 268 healthy spouses and another of 268 partners grappling with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. What are the findings? At the start of the study period, the healthy spouses showed normal scores for depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. However, it became evident that after spending six months alongside a partner experiencing mental health issues, there was a marked deterioration in the mental well-being of the previously healthy individuals. Their mental health scores notably increased, reflecting symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances. Analyzing their saliva samples through advanced DNA sequencing techniques, researchers discovered that the oral bacterial profiles of the healthy spouses mirrored those of their depressed partners. This connection revealed that certain bacterial families, like Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae, became more prevalent in both partners – which raised concerns due to their association with brain disorders such as depression and anxiety. As per the researchers, these bacteria might influence brain function by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, therefore compromising mental health. What are the implications? This groundbreaking study highlighted the profound impact of our microbiome, the vast community of microorganisms residing in our mouths, that we share with others through everyday activities such as kissing, sharing food, or even just being in close proximity. The findings suggested that this microbial exchange could play a significant role in the transmission of mental health conditions. They also drew our attention to a significant gender difference in susceptibility to this bacterial transmission. Women, in particular, were found to be more vulnerable, as female partners exhibited more pronounced alterations in their oral microbiome and corresponding mental health scores than their male counterparts. Moreover, the study monitored cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The results indicated that the stress response systems of healthy spouses married to partners with depression and anxiety were notably activated, as indicated by a substantial rise in cortisol levels over the six-month duration of the study. This accounts for the deep interconnection between partner relationships and mental health, underscoring the adage that we truly can 'catch' our partner's mood, not just emotionally – but also biologically. High-fructose diet worsens depression in teens One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
If your partner has depression, anxiety you could ‘catch' it by kissing them, says new study
Did you know that you could get depression and anxiety from your partner through mouth bacteria? Did we stump you? Well, a new study found that depression and anxiety can spread between partners if they kiss - a healthy spouse could show mental health symptoms after just six months of marriage to a depressed partner. Also Read | Nutritionist shares why every woman needs to eat dark chocolate during periods: Reduces cramps, boosts mood Each time you kiss, share food, or simply breathe near your spouse, you exchange millions of bacteria - the new research shows that this microbial sharing may also contribute to the transmission of mental health conditions. A 2025 study of newlywed couples in Iran - published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine - found that when a partner suffers from depression and anxiety, they could potentially change their healthy partner's oral bacteria, leading to a shift in the healthy partner's mood and sleep patterns. 'Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,' the researchers said in the paper. Just six months into marriage, previously healthy spouses were significantly more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances if their partner was someone who had both mental health conditions, along with insomnia. The research, led by independent researcher Reza Rastmanesh, tracked 1,740 couples married for an average of six months, comparing 268 healthy spouses with 268 partners who had depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. They took standardised mental health tests, provided saliva samples to measure stress hormones, and had their mouth bacteria analysed using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. At the start of the six months, the healthy spouses scored normally on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality tests. However, after living with a partner with mental health issues, their scores were significantly higher. Their mouth bacteria resembled that of their depressed and anxious partners. Bacterial families like Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae became more abundant in both partners. The bacteria are linked to brain disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Scientists believe that they affect the brain by compromising the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, researchers found that women were more susceptible to this bacterial transmission; female spouses experienced more pronounced changes in both their oral microbiome and mental health scores. They also measured cortisol levels during the study and found that the stress hormone in healthy spouses married to depressed and anxious partners showed a significant increase over six months, indicating their stress response systems were being activated. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
