Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, hypothyroidism, and Type 1 diabetes, have been linked to mental health disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder. If you have an autoimmune disorder and think you may also have symptoms of a mental health condition, you are not alone.
Autoimmune Disorders
With neurodegenerative conditions in particular, such as Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis, anxiety and depression can emerge years before neurological signs become apparent.
The majority of patients with autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis experience mental health conditions, yet they are rarely or never asked about symptoms, a new study suggests.
It has long been claimed that depression, and other psychiatric illness, might be a manifestation of immune dysregulation involving the Central nervous system. Depression is associated with a significantly increased risk of autoimmune disease compared to those without a history of depression.
Some examples of chronic illnesses that may cause depression are diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, HIV and AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hypothyroidism may also lead to depressed feelings.
Autoimmune disorders in general cannot be cured, but the condition can be controlled in many cases. Historically, treatments include: anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation and pain. corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation.
Lupus. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is another autoimmune disease known to have a high degree of neuropsychiatric problems, such as depression and anxiety, occurring in between 21 and 95% of patients (41).
Autoimmune encephalitis is a collection of related conditions in which the body's immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation. The immune system produces substances called antibodies that mistakenly attack brain cells.
Plus, stress-related hormones are believed to lead to dysregulation within the immune system. Psychological stress is reported to be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.
Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more. Specific symptoms depend on the exact disease.
Some common autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes mellitus, are relatively easy to diagnose, while others, such as vasculitis, Addison's disease, lupus, and other rheumatic diseases, are more difficult.
Asherson's syndrome is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the development, over a period of hours, days or weeks, of rapidly progressive blood clots affecting multiple organ systems of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Based on research to date, having RA may decrease life expectancy by a decade or more. RA is one of a number of autoimmune disorders called rheumatic diseases, or musculoskeletal conditions marked by inflammation.
The rates for depression that occurs with other medical illnesses is quite high: Heart attack: 40% to 65%. Coronary artery disease (without heart attack): 18% to 20%.
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often just called “depression.” It's the most severe type of depression. Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death by suicide.