"PTSD as a systemic condition": UzhNU discussed the connection between the microbiome and psychological health

Sep 22

2 min read

On September 16–17, the Uzhhorod National University hosted an international scientific and practical conference "Synergy of Professions in Maintaining Community Health." The organizers included the university itself, the Medical Aid Charitable Foundation, and the Swiss Parasolka Association. The event included a satellite panel discussion dedicated to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a systemic condition of the body, with an emphasis on the connection between the intestinal microbiome and psychological health.

What was discussed at the panel discussion?

The discussion was moderated by Professor Nadiya Boyko, who drew the participants' attention to the practical challenges of implementing new approaches into clinical practice. The focus of the conversation was a research project (2024–2026, budget 3.5 million UAH), the goal of which is to develop methods for diagnosing and correcting PTSD based on microbiome analysis for military personnel, veterans, and internally displaced persons.

Scientific findings: new biomarkers of PTSD

Researcher Oleksandra Pallag presented biochemical markers that capture metabolic disorders in patients with PTSD. Scientists identified 17 statistically significant microbial markers and based on them, using machine learning methods, developed the Microbiome-Based Risk Score tool — a risk assessment system that relies on the composition of the patient's microbiome.

Personalized correction: the role of probiotics and prebiotics

Svitlana Burmey spoke about approaches to personalized microbiome correction using probiotics and prebiotics tailored to specific disorders identified in the patient. This approach is consistent with the principles of 3P medicine, which the Ediens team consistently applies in working with the microbiome and the immune system.

Discussion speakers

Nadiya Boyko — discussion moderator, professor

Alexandra Pallag — researcher

Svitlana Burmey — Ediens specialist

Iryna Mykychak — Advisor to the Minister of Health

What's next?

The next step, the team plans to develop PCR test systems to detect microbial markers of PTSD — this will allow the researchers to translate their findings into a practical diagnostic tool available to clinics.