Autoimmune diseases are associated with anxiety and depression

Every third participant with an autoimmune diagnosis admitted to having experienced mental health problems. This is one and a half times more than among those who did not have such diagnoses. Moreover, the situation turned out to be even more complicated for women: among them, the level of anxiety and depression was consistently higher than in men with the same diseases.

Researchers believe that the main cause is chronic inflammation, which accompanies autoimmune diseases. Immune cells are constantly active in the body, which began to attack not strangers, but their own tissues. This not only weakens physical health, but also disrupts brain function, especially in areas responsible for emotions and mood.

Interestingly, participants who had autoimmune diseases were more likely to report mental disorders in their parents. This may indicate a hereditary factor, but also how the immune and nervous systems are intertwined.

However, the reasons why women suffer more are not yet fully understood. There are suggestions that it is due to hormones, the characteristics of the immune response and differences in the work of inflammatory markers in men and women. For example, women with depression are more likely to have elevated levels of cytokines, substances that trigger inflammation.

The authors emphasize that although this is an observational study and it does not prove a direct cause, the conclusion is obvious — chronic inflammation can be an imperceptible but powerful background contributing to the development of mental problems. This is especially important to consider when treating autoimmune diseases.

Ideally, experts say, doctors should not only treat the physical condition of patients, but also monitor their emotional background. This is especially important for women to start support as early as possible and prevent depression or anxiety from taking root.