Asthma Linked To Higher Suicidal Thoughts With
Attempts
May 15, 2008
Asthma is associated with higher suicidal thoughts with attempted suicide, but
does not seem to be linked with suicidal thoughts without attempts, according to
a report published this month in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,
the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
(ACAAI).
Cigarette smoking and concurrent mental health conditions may independently
account for significant proportions (but not all) of the association between
asthma and suicidal thoughts with attempts noted Diana E. Clarke, MSc, PhD, The
Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, and colleagues.
There is growing evidence of relationships between respiratory diseases and
suicidal behaviors, but investigators say this is the first study to examine the
association between asthma and suicidal thinking with and without attempts using
a nationally representative sample of adults. They also note it is the first
study to investigate the potential role of cigarette use and nicotine dependence
in the association of asthma and suicidal behavior.
The study examined data on 5,692 individuals 18 years and older from the US
National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Approximately 12 percent of the sample
had a history of asthma. The estimates of lifetime prevalence for suicidal
ideation without and with attempts and asthma were 8.7 percent, 4.2 percent and
12.0 percent, respectively, and occurred more frequently in women that men.
Despite adjustments for cigarette smoking, concurrent mental health conditions
and common sociodemographic factors, a statistically significant association
remained between asthma and suicide thoughts and attempts.
Investigators suggest that asthma may be associated with the more severe form of
suicidal behavior, but not the milder forms of suicidal thoughts without
attempts.
"Researchers have speculated that the relationship between asthma and
suicidal behaviors is possibly because of ensuing mood and anxiety that results
from disability and discomfort associated with asthma, which can be a lifelong
disease," they note. "Individuals might have frequent thoughts of
death with increasing severity solely because they have a potentially
life-threatening illness."
Although this was not a clinical study, the findings may indicate the need for
referral to mental services if an individual has asthma and expresses suicidal
thoughts.
An allergist-immunologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and
treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. The allergist is specially
trained to identify the allergic and non-allergic factors that trigger asthma
and other allergic diseases. Allergists help people treat or prevent their
allergy problems. After earning a medical degree, the allergist-immunologist
completes a three-year residency training program in either internal medicine or
pediatrics. Next the allergist completes two or three more years of study in the
field of allergy-immunology in order to prepare for certification by the
American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional
medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes
excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The
College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health
care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which
its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient
care, education, advocacy and research.
Citation: Clarke DE, Goodwin RD, Messias E, Eaton WW. Asthma and suicidal
ideation with and without suicide attempts among adults in the United States:
What is the role of cigarette smoking and mental disorders? Ann Allergy
Asthma Immunol 2008;100:439-446.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology is online at http://www.acaai.org.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)
85 W. Algonquin Rd., Ste 550
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
United States
http://www.acaai.org
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