The The Gut–Brain Axis in Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry: a biopsychosocial framework for assessment, formulation and management

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  • Tayyeb A Tahir Department of Liaison Psychiatry, University Hospital of Wales, UK https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2699-1992
  • Elizabeth Wickens Department of Liaison Psychiatry, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
  • Jawed Akbar Dars Jinnah Sind Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Alex J Mitchell Professor of Psycho-oncology / Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, Leicester University, Leicester, UK.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63050/jpps.23.03.1291
Keywords: gut brain axis microbiota consultation liaison psychiatry biopsychosocial model disorders of gut–brain interaction somatic symptom disorder formulation psychobiotics.

Abstract

The gut–brain axis has become an important conceptual framework for understanding the bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health. Consultation‑Liaison Psychiatry is particularly well positioned to incorporate this emerging evidence into routine clinical practice. 

This narrative synthesises evidence from liaison psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and the literature on disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), and proposes a practical biopsychosocial framework for assessment, formulation, management, and training. We review foundational mechanistic studies, large human cohort data, faecal microbiota transplantation experiments, meta‑analyses of randomised controlled trials, and major reviews published between 2020 and 2026.Communication between the gut and brain is now well recognised, operating through neural, hormonal, immune, and microbial–metabolic pathways. 

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Author Biography

Tayyeb A Tahir, Department of Liaison Psychiatry, University Hospital of Wales, UK

Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.

tayyeb.tahir@wales.nhs.uk           Twitter @TayyebT                           

Tayyeb has been involved in medical education, research and training throughout his career. His research interests include delirium, medically unexplained symptoms and depression in general hospital.  His publication on the treatment of delirium is the only published placebo controlled RCT for treatment of delirium in a general hospital setting. His publications on 'Liaison Psychiatry in Wales’ and economic analysis of CBT in occupational health are evident of his interest in service development and quality improvement. The economic analysis of the CBT in occupational health service was through partnership with South Wales Fire Service and Cardiff County Council. Dr Tahir also Chairs the National Service Group for Liaison Psychiatry for Public Health Wales.

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Published
2026-09-29
How to Cite
1.
Tahir TA, Wickens E, Dars JA, Mitchell AJ. The The Gut–Brain Axis in Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry: a biopsychosocial framework for assessment, formulation and management: none. J Pak Psychiatr Soc [Internet]. 2026Sep.29 [cited 2026Sep.30];23(03). Available from: https://jpps.pk/index.php/journal/article/view/1291
Issue
Vol. 23 No. 03 (2026): Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society
Section
Guest Editorial

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