Seasonal allergies and suicidality: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

OBJECTIVE

Studies have shown an association between allergies and suicidality, and a seasonality of suicide has also been described. We hypothesize an association between history of seasonal allergies and suicide ideation and attempt.

METHOD

Data came from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative sample (n = 5692) of adults living in the US. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) controlling for the following: age, sex, race, smoking, asthma and depression.

RESULTS

After weighting and adjustment, a positive and statistically significant association was found between history of seasonal allergies and history of suicidal ideation [adjusted OR = 1.27 (1.01-1.58)]. We found no association between history of seasonal allergies and history of suicide attempts [adjusted OR = 1.17 (0.89-1.52)].

CONCLUSION

Findings from a population-based sample support the hypothesized relationship between allergies and suicidal ideation.