A study of 1.5 million UK adults found that autoimmune diseases are linked to a nearly twofold increase in the risk for mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder compared with the general population. The research, published in BMJ Mental Health, highlights the importance of regular mental health screenings for individuals with autoimmune conditions. The observational study used data from the Our Future Health cohort and included six autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. Women with autoimmune conditions showed a higher prevalence of mood disorders compared with men. The study suggests that chronic inflammation may contribute to these mental health issues, though further research is needed to explore causal mechanisms. The authors were supported by funding from the UK Medical Research Council.

From: Medscape