India's Antibiotic Overuse and its Hidden Impact on Mental Health
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: General Science (Health - Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Gut Microbiome, Probiotics); Social Development; Government Policies & Schemes (National Health Mission).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health & Governance): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T/Environment): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Awareness in the fields of Bio-technology.
Key Highlights from the News
Uncontrolled antibiotic use in India (unbridled use of antibiotics), in addition to the globally feared Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), is adversely affecting the country's mental health, new studies suggest.
The scientific reason behind this is the gut-brain axis (the communication network between the gut and the brain).
Excessive use of antibiotics disrupts the balance of trillions of good bacteria (gut microbiota) in our gut (dysbiosis).
This can affect the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which control our mood and stress, leading to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
India is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics in the world. Easy availability of medicines without a doctor's prescription and self-medication are major reasons for this.
Studies suggest that improving gut health with Psychobiotics (probiotics, prebiotics) can help improve mental health.
To tackle this crisis, strict control over antibiotic sales, public awareness, and promotion of traditional fermented foods like yogurt, dosa, and idli are necessary.
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