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(04/09/2025) VA Iowa City researchers learned being treated or prescribed antibiotics was associated with a small but significant increase in depression risk, especially in the eight weeks following the prescription. The researchers identified almost 900,000 Veterans who received an antibacterial prescription in one year and examined their medical charts for incidents of depression six months before and after the prescription. Broad-spectrum antibiotics conferred the highest risk, while antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitic medications did not increase the risk of depression. Antibacterial medications have the unintended consequence of destroying healthy gut bacteria, which can affect brain function. The study adds to the growing evidence supporting the connection between antibiotics and depressive disorder. (Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Apr. 7, 2025)