Researchers Say Kissing Can Transmit Depression and Anxiety

Future research could expand on this work by examining whether similar microbial transmission occurs in other types of relationships, such as between parents and children or roommates. It could also investigate whether interventions—such as probiotics, improved oral hygiene, or stress reduction therapies—might help mitigate the potential microbial transfer of mental health symptoms. Additionally, studies could explore whether other mental health disorders, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, are similarly affected by microbiota exchange.