NEW YORK CITY—Panic attacks occur more often in people with hay fever than in those without, new research demonstrates.[1] This finding supports previous studies, which suggested that in the general population, allergy sufferers have higher rates of anxiety and depressive disorders. A reason for the association between allergies and mental disorders remains unknown.

Renee Goodwin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City, analyzed data from a national survey of the general population and found that people with self-reported hay fever had an increased likelihood of panic attacks.[1] The Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) Survey gathered data from 3,032 adults between the ages of 25 and 74 years using a 30-minute telephone interview and two mailed questionnaires. Respondents were asked what illnesses they had experienced or been diagnosed with during the past year.

Hay fever was reported among 13.8% of respondents, which was consistent with past prevalence reports. The persons with self-reported hay fever were younger and had higher levels of education than those without hay fever. There were no other between-group differences.

After adjusting for these two differences in sociodemographic characteristics, Dr. Goodwin found that people with self-reported hay fever were twice as likely as those without it to have panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression. After she repeated her analysis to control for comorbid mental disorders, panic attacks remained significantly correlated with self-reported hay fever.

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The reason for the association between hay fever and panic attacks is unknown. There are several possible explanations, however. For example, allergy-induced breathing difficulties may increase the risk of panic attacks. Alternatively, allergy-related bronchial irritation may increase dyspnea among people with panic attacks—thereby aggravating both conditions. On the other hand, genetic, environmental, or personality factors may contribute to the concurrence of hay fever and panic attack.

Dr. Goodwin said, “There may be a common underlying vulnerability for both … hay fever and panic attacks.” However, she added, “There are also many different pathways and mechanisms by which the onset of each of them is activated, and [these] may interact to exacerbate symptoms.”

The use of self-reporting in the MIDUS Survey raises the question of whether the respondents’ allergies are measurable by objective testing. Previous data suggest that people with mental disorders commonly overreport physical symptoms. Despite this limitation, the study’s findings are consistent with those of previous clinical laboratory and epidemiological studies.

Additional research can establish whether treatment of psychologic disturbances has an effect on allergy symptoms and vice versa. “Hopefully, future studies will provide information on how these links should be incorporated into practice,” Dr. Goodwin concluded.

—Gale Jurasek