By Teodor T. Postolache, MD and Darryl Robert, MS, RN
[Winter 2007; Vol. 33, No. 2; Pg. 10]
Seasonal
allergy affects 10%-30% of adults and up to 40% of children. Persons with a
personal or family history of major depression have an even higher prevalence.
Further, clinical depression negatively influences immune response and increases
the likelihood of seasonal allergies and other immune-related illnesses.
Allergies result in increased cytokine release which could trigger or worsen
depression, anxiety or cognitive symptoms.
In
addition, we recently reported results of ongoing behavioral studies of brown
Norway rats sensitized with tree pollen vs. saline-treated controls, finding
significantly increased anxiety (e.g., reduced time in open field maze arms) and
depressive-like symptoms (e.g., longer immobility and decreased swimming time in
forced-swim test). In human brains, we found significant gender and suicide
interactions of interleukin (IL)-1β/IL-4
gene expression and increased levels of IL-5 gene expression in the
orbital-frontal cortexes of female suicide victims suggestive of seasonal
inflammatory responses affecting brain structures. In another freshly completed
study from our group, college students with self reported sensitivity to tree
pollen also reported a greater seasonality of mood and a greater proportion of
seasonal affective disorder of non-winter type. Finally, in a large
epidemiological suicide study, we found a significant relationship between tree
pollen peaks and nonviolent suicides in younger women.
To
further support the hypothesized relationship between peaks in environmental
aeroallergens and mood decompensation, particularly in persons with mood
disorders, the University of Maryland Psychiatry Department’s Mood and Anxiety
Program (MAP) is currently conducting an NIMH-funded, IRB approved,
case-control study following 100 stable patients with mood disorders
through their specific pre- and peak-pollen periods. In this study, the MAP will
identify allergy atopy using allergen-specific IgE. We hypothesize that compared
to their baseline, individuals with seasonal allergies will have a more
pronounced worsening in their depression scores during their specific allergy
seasons than matched controls without seasonal allergy.
To complete this study, the MAP is seeking stable patients with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder independent of any history of allergy. Patients will be compensated for the time involved in the study participation. To facilitate completion of this study, we request referrals from and collaboration with clinical mental health providers throughout Maryland and DC. Those collaborators who make significant contributions to the study could share in research report authorship and be invited to collaborate on future projects. Also, the knowledge about their patient’s allergy status (at the end of the study) may improve overall quality of care. This study will be instrumental in improving our understanding the aeroallergen-depression link and lend evidence for subsequent interventions that might weaken the link, lessen the seasonal worsening in mood disorders and flatten the peak of suicide in spring. If you have patients who might be interested in the study, contact, or let them contact Darryl Roberts at 410-706-2003. If you are interested in collaborating on the study, contact the PI, Dr. Teodor Postolache at 410-706-2323.