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Atopy Increases Risk of Psychotic Experiences: A Large Population-Based Study
Marieke J H Begemann1,2, Mascha M J Linszen1,2, Janna N de Boer2
1Cognitive Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|July 30, 2019
Summary
Individuals with atopic disorders like eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma have a higher risk of experiencing psychotic experiences. This risk increases with each additional atopic condition, suggesting a link between immune system factors and psychosis predisposition.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Comorbidity between atopy and schizophrenia is established.
- Atopic disorders are common and involve immune system dysregulation.
- Nonclinical psychotic experiences are prevalent in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between atopic disorders and nonclinical psychotic experiences.
- To determine if conditions like eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma are linked to psychotic experiences.
- To explore a potential dose-response relationship between atopy and psychosis risk.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale, cross-sectional, observational, population-based study.
- Online survey administered to a Dutch population sample (≥14 years).
- Utilized the Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences and screened for atopic disorders; analyzed using binary logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 6,479 participants included; individuals with atopy showed increased risk of psychotic experiences (OR=1.26).
- Increased risk observed for hallucinations (OR=1.27), with a trend for delusions.
- A dose-response relationship was found: more atopic disorders correlated with higher risk of psychotic experiences and hallucinations.
Conclusions:
- Atopic disorders significantly increase the risk of psychotic experiences in a dose-response manner.
- Findings support the role of immunological factors in psychosis predisposition.
- Results provide a foundation for further research into the atopy-psychosis link.
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