Spring always brings a rash ofsneezing, sniffling and stuffy noses. But can seasonalallergiesbe psychologically harmful?
A wave of emerging research suggests that may be the case. While there’s no firm evidence that allergies causedepression, large studies show that allergy sufferers do seem to be at higher risk of depression.
Severe allergies can bringsleeplessness, headaches, fatigue and a general feeling of physical depletion, all of which can worsen mood. Studies have found thatallergic reactionsrelease compounds in the body calledcytokines, which play a role in inflammationandmay reduce levels of the hormone serotonin, which helps maintain feelings of well-being. And it’s well known that somecommon allergy medications, like corticosteroids, can cause anxiety and mood swings.
Several large studies have found that the risk of depression in people with severe allergies is about twice that of those without allergies. In 2008, researchers at theUniversity of Marylandreported thatthis link may help explain a widely established— but poorly understood— increase in suicides during the springevery year. Analyzing medical records, the authors found that in some patients, changes in allergy symptoms during low- and high-pollen seasons corresponded to changes in their depression and anxiety scores.
A Finnish population study in 2003 found a link between allergies and depression; however,women were much more likely to be affected. In 2000, a study oftwinsin Finland also showeda shared risk for depression and allergies, a result of genetic influences, the authors wrote.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Severe seasonal allergies may be a risk factor for depression.
ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий