Atopy and depression: results from the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort Study.

摘要: Several studies have suggested an association between IgE-mediated atopic allergies and depression. The present study extends our understanding about putative gender differences of this provides further epidemiological evidence for previous finding that the atopy depression may be characteristic females only. In order to clearly determine presence disorders depression, we used more valid tools than had been employed earlier access a database (the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort), in which individuals were followed up prospectively until age 31 years. information on allergic symptoms, verified by skin-prick tests comprising data 5518 individuals, was ascertain atopy. Depression assessed with help Hopkins' Symptom Checklist-25 self-reported doctor-diagnosed After adjusting father's social class, mother's parity, place residence, logistic regression analyses showed risk developing increased parallel increasing severity and, when compared nonatopic subjects, 3.0 4.7-fold statistically significant. males, significant only highest scores, odds ratio being 6.3-fold. results indicate suffering from diseases might possess elevated already during early adulthood. these two is evident among most severe manifestations Possible background theories, is, genetic abnormalities serotonin metabolism, HPA-axis dysfunction, histamine theory are discussed.