Could children suffering from allergies have a greater chance of also struggling with anxiety and depression when they're older? A new study conducted by Dr. Maya K. Nanda of the division of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology at Children's Mercy Hospital indicates there is a link between the two conditions.
The researchers studied 546 children who had skin tests and exams at the ages of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7. Doctors looked for typical signs of allergies such as sneezing, itchy eyes, wheezing or skin inflammation. When the children turned 7, their parents completed behavioral assessments and were asked to answer questions about their children's emotions.
The study found that children who suffered from allergies early in life had a greater chance of suffering from anxiety and depression later.
"I think the surprising finding for us was that allergic rhinitis has the strongest association with abnormal anxiety/depression/internalizing scores compared to other allergic diseases," noted Nanda.
Nanda was quick to point out that the "study can't prove causation." She said, "It only describes a significant association between these disorders, however we have hypotheses on why these diseases are associated."
Nanda says this study should cause doctors to examine children more carefully. One condition can quickly lead to another, so it's important for doctors to understand possible links and associations.
"We think this study calls for better screening by pediatricians, allergists, and parents of children with allergic disease," Nanda said. "Too often in my clinic I see allergic children with clinical anxiety (or) depressive symptoms; however, they are receiving no care for these conditions."
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