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Suicide Associated with Tree Pollen and Allergies in Diverse Groups
Seasonal changes bring crushing waves of tree pollen in the spring, but who thought it would also be associated with suicide?
There is research that suggests allergies and tree pollen may be linked to a higher risk of suicide. Pollen allergies can result in brain inflammation, which can alter mood and raise the risk of depression and suicide. Allergies can also cause sleep disturbances and cognitive dysfunction, which can worsen mood problems and suicidal thoughts in some people.
An increasing body of research indicates that allergies and tree pollen may be linked to a higher risk of suicide. Although the processes underlying this connection are not fully understood, they may be related to changes in mood and cognitive function brought on by the inflammatory response to allergens. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of this potential danger in allergy sufferers, especially in individuals who have a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders.
One study found that people with allergic rhinitis, a typical allergic illness, had a considerably higher incidence of suicide ideation and attempts than people without allergies. We need to consider whether or not these individuals had suicidal ideation prior to the allergic illness or if it only became evident once the…
