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Published on: March 3, 2023
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Self-reported hay fever and panic attacks in the community
1Division of Epidemiology, The Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. rdg66@columbia.edu
Summary
Adults with hay fever have a higher likelihood of experiencing panic attacks. This study found a significant association between hay fever and panic attacks, but not other common mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a common condition.
- Mental health disorders are prevalent in the general population.
- The link between allergic conditions and mental health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported hay fever and common mental disorders.
- To analyze the relationship in a representative sample of the US adult population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Midlife Development in the United States Survey (n=3,032).
- Employed multivariate logistic regression analyses.
- Examined associations with major depression, panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol/substance use disorders.
Main Results:
- Self-reported hay fever was significantly associated with an increased odds of panic attacks (OR=1.8).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbid mental disorders.
- No significant association was found between hay fever and major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or alcohol/substance use disorders.
Conclusions:
- A link exists between self-reported hay fever and an increased likelihood of panic attacks in adults.
- The underlying mechanisms driving this association are currently unknown.
- Future research should explore this relationship using objective measures and longitudinal data.
