J. Rodrigues, F. Franco-Pego, B. Sousa-Pinto, J. Bousquet, K. Raemdonck, R. Va
Rhinology. 2021 Aug 1;59(4):360-373. doi: 10.4193/Rhin21.087.
More than 400 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis worldwide. In Europe, its prevalence is around 25%, higher in urban areas. Although allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, it affects health and well-being (disruption of sleeping patterns, cognitive and performance impairment, decreased quality of life, and work/school performance). It may also be associated with a higher risk for psychiatric diseases, such as depression and anxiety.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the relationship between allergic rhinitis and depression and anxiety.
An electronic search for observational studies that evaluated the relationship between allergic rhinitis and depression and anxiety was conducted. The association was quantified by random-effects meta-analysis, with an estimation of the pooled odds ratio.
Twenty-four studies were included (23 evaluated depression and 11 anxiety). Of these, 12 have odds ratio values from multivariable regression models and were included.
Allergic rhinitis was associated with higher odds of depression and anxiety.
In conclusion, allergic rhinitis seems to be related to a high risk of depression and anxiety; however, more studies are needed.
