Citation

Messias E, Clark DE, Goodwin RD. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 2010; 122(2): 139-142.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01518.x

PMID

20003091

Abstract

Objective: Studies have shown an association between allergies and suicidality, and a seasonality of suicide has also been described. We hypothesize an association between history of seasonal allergies and suicide ideation and attempt. Method: Data came from the [USA] National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative sample (n = 5692) of adults living in the US. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) controlling for the following: age, sex, race, smoking, asthma and depression. Results: After weighting and adjustment, a positive and statistically significant association was found between history of seasonal allergies and history of suicidal ideation [adjusted OR = 1.27 (1.01-1.58)]. We found no association between history of seasonal allergies and history of suicide attempts [adjusted OR = 1.17 (0.89-1.52)]. Conclusion: Findings from a population-based sample support the hypothesized relationship between allergies and suicidal ideation.

Language: en