Seasonal allergies could increase depression risk
Whilst the sweet smell of summer lingering in the air is pleasurable for many, for others a brightly shining sun equals a runny nose, itchy eyes, frequent sneezing and a season of suffering.
Many people suffer from mild hay-fever which is treatable with antihistamines, but others suffer from such severe seasonal allergies that it actually begins to effect their mood.
Being quarantined inside your own home whilst everyone else is lounging around outside in the sunshine is a mood killer for obvious reasons, but recent American research has revealed that individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies can be affected by both physical and mental side effects.
According to Dr. Paul Marshall, neuropsychologist at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, research has revealed that individuals affected by seasonal allergies stand approximately twice the risk of depression than that of an individual with no allergies. Furthermore, those who actively sought help from an allergist to help relieve symptoms were three times more likely to develop depression than those who did not.
Experts are unsure as to the exact reason allergies can lead to an increased risk of depression but it is thought that the use of antihistamines to relieve symptoms can contribute to sleep disturbances and drowsiness, both of which can lead to low mood.
In addition to this, back in 2000 Dr Marshall was involved in a study that found allergic reactions could actually reduce the speed of cognitive processing, and in 2002 an additional study led by Marshall revealed that allergic reactions to ragweed pollen lead to fatigue and mood changes in some patients.
Not everyone who is affected by seasonal allergies will be affected by depression and some may just experience certain symptoms such as a reduction in energy. However, if you are suffering from severe seasonal allergies and you do feel as though it is beginning to affect your mood then it may be worth considering hypnotherapy. Hypnosis has long since been used as a method for relieving depression and certain studies have also revealed that it could help in reducing symptoms of hay-fever.
For information about hypnotherapy for depression please visit our fact-sheet, or you can view an article about hypnosis for hay-fever here.