Autoimmune disease may almost double risk of mental ill health, study suggests
The link may be explained by the chronic exposure to systemic inflammation that the autoimmune disease causes, researchers at the University of Edinburgh said.
A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation is linked to mental ill health, but many of the published studies have relied on small sample sizes, limiting their statistical power.
To overcome this, researchers drew on data from 1.5 million people in the Our Future Health programme from across the UK. Participants completed a questionnaire that asked for personal, social, demographic, health and lifestyle information.
Health information included lifetime diagnoses for disorders including autoimmune and psychiatric conditions. Six autoimmune conditions were included in the study: rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' syndrome (thyroid hormone disorder), inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.
The mental health conditions the researchers were interested in were self-reported diagnoses of affective disorders, defined as depression, bipolar or anxiety disorder.
In total, 37,808 people reported autoimmune conditions and 1,525,347 did not. The lifetime prevalence of any diagnosed affective disorder was significantly higher among those with an autoimmune disorder than it was among the general population: 29% against 18%.
Similar associations emerged for depression and anxiety: 25.5% compared with just over 15% for depression, and just over 21% compared with 12.5% for anxiety. The prevalence of current depression and anxiety was also higher among people with autoimmune conditions.
While the prevalence of bipolar disorder was much lower, it was still significantly higher among those with autoimmune disorders than among the general population: just under 1% compared with 0.5%.
The prevalence of affective disorders was also significantly and consistently higher among women with autoimmune disorders than it was among men with the same physical health conditions: 32% compared with 21%.
The reasons for this are unclear. But the researchers, whose findings were published in the BMJ Mental Health journal, said theories suggest that sex hormones, chromosomal factors, and differences in circulating antibodies may partly explain the differences.
Overall, the risk for mental health conditions was nearly double in people with autoimmune conditions – between 87% and 97% higher. It remained high even after adjusting for potentially influential factors, including age, household income and parental psychiatric history.
The study was limited by a lack of available information on the time or duration of illness, making it impossible to determine whether autoimmune conditions preceded, co-occurred with or followed affective disorders.
No direct measurements of inflammation were made either, making it impossible to establish the presence, nature, timing or severity of inflammation.
The researchers concluded: 'Although the observational design of this study does not allow for direct inference of causal mechanisms, this analysis of a large national dataset suggests that chronic exposure to systemic inflammation may be linked to a greater risk for affective disorder.
'Future studies should seek to determine whether putative biological, psychological, and social factors – for example, chronic pain, fatigue, sleep or circadian disruptions and social isolation – may represent potentially modifiable mechanisms linking autoimmune conditions and affective disorders.'
They added that it could be worth regularly screening people diagnosed with autoimmune diseases for mental health conditions, especially women, to provide them with tailored support early on.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Shiseido launches upgraded viral skincare - get 20% off plus a free gift with our exclusive code
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more With over 100 years of sun care and anti-aging sun care expertise and innovation, it's no wonder there are few brands as trustworthy and reliable as Shiseido. With UV protection products for all ages, Shiseido is at the forefront of the fight against sun damage - and the best thing? We have an exclusive discount code to get you 20 per cent off! The Expert Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 50+ This viral bestselling transparent stick is ideal for on-the-go sun protection, while also keeping you looking young and hydrated. With a water-resistant formula, instead of rubbing off in water, it actually strengthens, meaning that there's run-off into the ocean than other sun creams, making it an incredibly eco-friendly choice. This stick SPF has 65 per cent skincare ingredients, which visibly improve fine lines, skin irregularities and makes it super soft. Even better, the new formula lasts an impressive 8 hours - that's double what is used to last! Daily Mail shoppers can use the exclusive discount code SPF to get 20 per cent off and receive a free gift on purchases of two or more products sitewide. Discount code expires August 31. £25.60 (save £6.40) Shop Shiseido are offering Daily Mail shoppers an exclusive discount code and a free gift on purchases of two or more products sitewide - simply apply code SPF to your basket when you checkout. Discount code expires August 31. In 2024, Shiseido revamped their formula some of their most viral products, by announcing their new SynchroShieldRepair™ technology, upgrades sun protection by combining Shiseido's WetForce, HeatForce, and AutoRepair technologies. This essentially strengthens the sun protection as you go about your day, whether you come into contact with water, heat, and even repairs itself when the protection layer is damaged by friction or rubbing - making it the perfect everyday sun protection, and ideal for athletes. The new Shiseido formulas include a range of ingredients that are jam-packed with goodness, including anti-aging and hydrating properties. From Profense CEL/CL™, which helps prevent sun-induced wrinkles and dark spots, to safflower extract which increases skin density and firmness, to argan oil which protects the skin against oxidative damage and hydrates, these new formulas by Shiseido are sure to level-up your summer skin care regime. When using our exclusive discount code SPF, you'll receive a free suncare pouch to store your new Shiseido products on the go For those who want premium sun protection without the premium price, this is the perfect time to snap up some Shiseido anti-aging sun care. When at checkout, use our code SPF to receive 20 per cent off and a new sun care pouch to keep your sun care products safe and secure while on the go. With everyday sun protection, to anti-aging serums, to products for athletes, you won't want to miss out on this summer sale from Shiseido - but hurry, this exclusive discount code expires August 31. Shiseido suncare highlights Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF30,, 150ml Infused with 68 per cent skincare ingredients, and suitable for both the face and body, this family-size bottle of sun lotion is all you and your loved ones need to combat the sun this summer. The invisible formula leaves no white-cast, and the lotion is reinforced and made stronger by the sun, as it forms a protective layer. £31.20 (save £7.80) Shop UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF30 While just using sun lotion is enough, if you want to feel even more protected, why not opt for an SPF foundation? This SPF30 compact foundation provides a smooth, matte finish with natural coverage – meaning you won't get cakey in the heat. As well as protecting you from the sun, this foundation also protects against dust and dryness. The best thing? It's refillable, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to your typical disposable foundation tubs or bottles. £30.40 (save £7.60) Shop Tanning Compact SPF10 For those trying to get a tan, a level of sun protection is still needed - even if that means only using SPF10. This compact foundation allows you to tan as you usually would, but with an added level of protection and flawless skin while doing it - what could be better? Refillable, this compact foundation is ideal for on the go, and the perfect addition to your travelling makeup bag. £31.20 (save £7.80) Shop Sun Protection On The Go Perfect for gifting to a loved one (or yourself!), this gift set includes a full size Expert Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF50+, a sample of the Expert Sun Protector Face Cream SPF50+ and After Sun Intensive Recovery Emulsion, all inside a cute towel pouch bag. This cute gift set contains everything you need to enjoy and stay safe in the sun this summer. £25.60 (save £6.40) Shop Power Infusing Serum If your main priority is to slow down the appearance of aging, this serum is not one to be missed. Containing Shiseido's patented Power Fermented Camelia+, this serum promises to slow down seven signs of aging, such as radiance, roughness, fine lines and more. It essentially strengthens the moisture barrier on the skin by absorbing into 30 million surface skin cells. £72 (save £18) Shop Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF30 Not only fighting against the harmful effects of the sun, this sunscreen combats the negative effects of urban environments such as pollution and dust. This sunscreen contains Sun Dual Care™ technology, that transforms a portion of sunlight into helpful light to fight against aging factors and keep the skin bright and hydrated. The oil-free formula makes it an ideal option for those with oily skin, as it provides a long-lasting, matte finish. £29.60 (save £7.40) Shop Sports Invisible Protective Mist SPF50+ For those constantly on the go, taking the time to reapply a lotion sunscreen every few hours can be easy to forget. That's why this SPF spray is one not to be missed – you're able to apply it everywhere you need to in a matter of seconds. And with SPF50, you'll be protected no matter what activities you're doing. It even applies well over makeup, making it the perfect top-up product throughout the day in the summer. £34.40 (save £8.60) Shop
Medical News Today
an hour ago
- Medical News Today
Alzheimer's is linked to low brain lithium levels, study shows
Lithium is a mineral that can be found in nature, with small amounts also found in the human body. Past research has also shown that lithium seems to have a neuroprotective effect on the brain. A new study shows that lithium occurs naturally in the brain and plays a major role in normal brain also discovered that a loss of lithium in the brain may be an early warning sign for Alzheimer's disease because it binds to beta-amyloid is a mineral that can be found in nature. Very small amounts of lithium can also be found in the body by ingesting certain foods or drinking water with a high mineral content. Because lithium is a mood stabilizer, it is sometimes used as a medication to treat mental health conditions like mania, bipolar disorder, and depression. Past research has also shown that lithium seems to have a protective effect on the brain, potentially helping to defend against mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other types of dementia. Now, a new study published in the journal Nature provides additional evidence of lithium's potential neuroprotective study has shown, for the first time, that lithium occurs naturally in the brain and plays a major role in normal brain also discovered that a loss of lithium in the brain may be an early warning sign for Alzheimer's disease because it binds to amyloid-beta plaques, currently considered one of the hallmarks of the low lithium levels found in brain samples of Alzheimer's diseaseFor this study, researchers used a combination of testing postmortem brain tissue and a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Using brain tissue samples from deceased participants with a mix of healthy cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and advanced Alzheimer's disease, scientists discovered that of the 27 different trace metals in the brain, lithium was the only one that had significantly different levels across the groups. Researchers found that changes to lithium amounts in the brain started at the earliest stages of memory loss, and levels of the mineral were very low in samples from participants with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Replenished lithium levels reverse brain damage in mouse modelNext, the research team used a mouse model to further confirm their hypothesis. When healthy mice were fed a lithium-reduced diet, scientists found they aged more rapidly, and experienced brain inflammation and cognitive a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, scientists observed that lower lithium levels sped up the formation of amyloid-beta plaques and activated inflammatory cells called microglia in the brain. However, when mice were provided with a lithium compound called lithium orotate, Alzheimer's disease-related damage to the brain was reversed and memory function was restored. 'The idea that lithium deficiency could be a cause of Alzheimer's disease is new and suggests a different therapeutic approach,' Bruce Yankner, MD, PhD, professor of genetics and neurology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School and senior author of this study, said in a press release.'You have to be careful about extrapolating from mouse models, and you never know until you try it in a controlled human clinical trial,' Yankner cautioned, though he emphasized that 'so far the results are very encouraging.''My hope is that lithium will do something more fundamental than anti-amyloid or anti-tau therapies, not just lessening but reversing cognitive decline and improving patients' lives,' the study author lithium make the brain more resilient?Manisha Parulekar, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD, director of the Division of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center and co-director of the Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health at Hackensack University Medical Center, told Medical News Today that this discovery is significant because it offers a new way of looking at Alzheimer's.'For years, the fight against Alzheimer's has been dominated by a single-target approach, focusing almost exclusively on clearing amyloid plaques,' Parulekar, who was not involved in this study, explained.'But as dementia specialists, we know this is a multifaceted disease that affects the entire ecosystem of the brain. This study suggests a depletion of a natural element, and how restoring that balance could potentially impact all the major hallmarks of the disease — the plaques, the tangles, and cognitive function itself,' she said that these findings could potentially lead to new ways to both treat and detect Alzheimer's disease, but in very different ways.'Think of it like starting a healthy diet and exercise plan. If you start early, it can prevent heart disease. But even if you've already had a heart attack, starting that same healthy plan can still help you. It won't undo the past damage, but it will make your body stronger and help slow down future problems. Similarly, lithium seems to make the brain healthier and more resilient. So, it could be used as a treatment to protect the brain cells that are still healthy and slow down the progression of the disease in people who already have it.' – Manisha Parulekar, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMDPromising discovery for Alzheimer's detection and treatmentMNT also spoke to Peter Gliebus, MD, a neurologist, and director of cognitive and behavioral neurology at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, a part of Baptist Health South Florida, about this who was not involved in the recent study, said his first reaction to its findings is one of cautious optimism.'The study's findings indicate that lithium exhibits a substantial impact on brain health and may mitigate the early molecular alterations associated with Alzheimer's disease,' he said.'The study underscores the potential of lithium replacement therapy as a preventive or therapeutic intervention. This discovery holds a promise as it presents novel avenues for addressing the disease at its earliest stages, potentially slowing or even halting its progression,' Gliebus explained.'These findings have the potential to contribute to the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future,' he continued. The study shows lithium deficiency as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, potentially serving as a biomarker for early detection. Measuring lithium levels in the brain could enable the identification of individuals at higher risk of developing the disease.''Moreover, the therapeutic application of lithium orotate, which circumvents plaque sequestration, demonstrates promise in reversing or preventing pathological alterations in animal models,' Gliebus added. 'If these findings are validated in human studies, lithium replacement therapy could emerge as a viable treatment option, particularly for individuals experiencing early cognitive decline or at elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease.'
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Rotherham Hospice rated outstanding by CQC
Rotherham Hospice has been rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).The hospice, run by local charity The Rotherham Hospice Trust, provides end-of-life care to adults aged 18 and over with terminal illnesses and support to their families, at no an inspection in December, its overall rating has improved from good to Stephenson, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said: "All the staff at Rotherham Hospice should be very proud of the care they're now delivering for people using the service and their local community." 'Positive outcomes' Inspectors found that local census data was used by the hospice to tailor care to patients from different communities, including those from vulnerable backgrounds, and provided a range of support - including psychological, physical, social, and even spiritual support."It was impressive to see the lengths they went to, to ensure care was personalised at a really difficult time in people's lives," said Mr Stephenson."It was clear that staff took a genuine interest in people's wellbeing, which resulted in both positive outcomes and feedback."The report said patients were included in discussions about their own care when assessing and reviewing risks, so everybody understood what was involved, and care plans were agreed for the last days of their also noted that a kennel service had been introduced, which helped reduce delays when admitting people with pets into the service.A former issue was flagged that some people did not know how to access the service, but a community outreach manager had since been employed to mediate this, it around appropriate levels of safeguarding training had also been addressed. 'Ambitious plans' Rotherham Hospice CEO Mat Cottle-Shaw said: "It's incredible - or outstanding, should I say - for all our staff, volunteers, and supporters."He said he was "struck by how passionate everybody was" and the effort that had been made to reach the top rating by the hospice had "very ambitious plans to grow" across Rotherham, he added, but patients and their families were "at the centre" of all the decisions that were made."The end of your life should be just as important as the beginning of it," he said. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
