Asthma and mental illness

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 22 Nov 2003 - 0:00 PDT


Patients with asthma are more likely than the general population to experience psychiatric disorders , new research suggests.

The authors of a German study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggest the association may indicate a 'common genetic pathway' for asthma and mental illness

In the sample of 13,222 adults, asthma prevalence was 2.7% (current) and 5.74% (lifetime). Patients with current severe asthma were significantly more likely to have any anxiety disorder and specific phobia .

Current severe asthma was also associated with a significantly increased likelihood of panic disorder and panic attacks.

A diagnosis of lifetime severe asthma was associated with an increased likelihood of any anxiety disorder, panic disorder, panic attacks, social phobia and specific phobia.

Patients with this diagnosis were also more likely to experience generalized anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder

'Identification of common genetic or biological pathways for the development of asthma and mental disorders could have important implications for future research and clinical treatment of both,' the authors conclude.

Reference: Goodwin R, Jacobi F and Thefeld W (2003) Mental Disorders and Asthma in the Community Arch Gen Psychiatry 60 (11)1125-1130

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