Depression and Anxiety, Linked to Allergies

Filed in archive Asthma , Hay Fever , Skin Allergies on October 24, 2007

According to a study published in last month's issue of Journal Clinical Psychiatry, children and adolescents with depression, anxiety and other so-called "internalizing" disorders are more likely to have allergies.

Among a sample of 184 young people being evaluated for psychiatric disorders and allergies, 105 (57 percent) had a history of allergic disorders, including asthma, hay fever, hives and eczema.

These findings highlight the association between anxiety, depressive, and allergic disorders. I wouldn't be surprised if this relationship can be extended to adults as well, considering that our immune health do take a dip when we are depressed or under stress, doesn't it? At least, I know I feel more sickly when I'm stressed. What is needed is to pinpoint exactly why these conditions are related and what treatment strategies can target both conditions.

Read more about this study from this Reuters report.