Why is there a disproportionate link between Pollen and Mood Disorders in Women?

Seasonal allergies not only cause physical discomfort but also have significant implications for mental health, particularly among women. Research suggests a strong association between high pollen levels during specific seasons and mood disorders like anxiety and depression [1]. Understanding this link is crucial for those affected by allergies to address mental health concerns effectively.

Studies have consistently shown an Increased rate of nonviolent suicides among women during the peak-pollen period [2- 4]. This gender-specific finding aligns with reports of increased atopy (allergic predisposition) in women and the connection between allergies and depression severity. The impact of allergies on mood disorders clearly appears to be more pronounced in women, making it vital to explore the underlying mechanisms and female specific nuances behind this phenomena.

Allergic rhinitis, characterized by chronic inflammation in the airways and brain, significantly affects mental well-being as a result of may of its felt physical effects. Exposure to allergens, such as pollen, triggers the release of cytokines, immune system proteins that activate brain regions involved in mood regulation. These cytokines can influence areas associated with depression and anxiety. Animal studies have shown increased anxiety, elevated cytokine production, and higher stress hormone levels in response to allergen exposure [5]. While direct evidence in humans is challenging to obtain, these findings shed light on the inflammatory mechanisms underlying the link between allergies and mood disorders.

But why do we see such a gender difference, such that women are more susceptible?

The gender disparity in susceptibility to the effects of allergens on mental health is biologically plausible. Women have been shown to be more susceptible to inflammation-induced mood changes and inflammation-related depression, indicating a potential link to suicide risk [6]. Experimental studies have demonstrated that women exhibit a greater increase in depressed mood and social disconnectedness when exposed to immune stimuli and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that women may be more vulnerable to the impact of aeroallergens on inflammation-related suicide [7 & 8].

Furthermore, clinical differences exist between male and female allergic patients. Females have a higher prevalence of asthma, food allergies, anaphylaxis, and associations between asthma, hay fever, and irregular menstruation. Contraceptive use has been linked to asthma, and asthma exacerbations during pregnancy are common. Peri- and postmenopausal women also experience increased asthma, wheezing, and hay fever symptoms, potentially influenced by hormone replacement therapy. Despite these gender-specific patterns in allergic diseases, public awareness of these differences remains limited [8].

Women experiencing allergy symptoms and related mood changes should seek medical assistance promptly. Communicating specific symptoms and their duration to allergists or primary care providers is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is crucial to discuss allergy medications and their potential effects on mood, as some medications can have sedating or anxiety-inducing properties.

The impact of seasonal allergies on women's mental health, particularly the association between high pollen counts and mood disorders, calls for a comprehensive approach to address these interconnected aspects of well-being. Recognizing the heightened susceptibility of women to the effects of allergies on mood regulation is essential, and understanding the gender specific mechanisms behind it more so. By addressing women's specific needs in managing seasonal allergies, we can improve their overall mental well-being and quality of life.

References

1. Ragguett RM, Cha DS, Subramaniapillai M, Carmona NE, Lee Y, Yuan D, Rong C, McIntyre RS. Air pollution, aeroallergens and suicidality: a review of the effects of air pollution and aeroallergens on suicidal behavior and an exploration of possible mechanisms. Rev Environ Health. 2017 Dec 20;32(4):343-359. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0011. PMID: 28915125.

2. Jeon-Slaughter H, Claassen CA, Khan DA, Mihalakos P, Lee KB, Brown ES. Temporal Association Between Nonfatal Self-Directed Violence and Tree and Grass Pollen Counts. J Clin Psychiatry. 2016 Sep;77(9):1160-1167. doi: 10.4088/JCP.15m09864. PMID: 27314288.

3. Postolache TT, Stiller JW, Herrell R, Goldstein MA, Shreeram SS, Zebrak R, Thrower CM, Volkov J, No MJ, Volkov I, Rohan KJ, Redditt J, Parmar M, Mohyuddin F, Olsen C, Moca M, Tonelli LH, Merikangas K, Komarow HD. Tree pollen peaks are associated with increased nonviolent suicide in women. Mol Psychiatry. 2005 Mar;10(3):232-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001620. PMID: 15599378; PMCID: PMC7100718.

4. Bergmans RS, Larson P, Bennion E, Mezuk B, Wozniak MC, Steiner AL, Gronlund CJ. Short-term exposures to atmospheric evergreen, deciduous, grass, and ragweed aeroallergens and the risk of suicide in Ohio, 2007-2015: Exploring disparities by age, gender, and education level. Environ Res. 2021 Sep;200:111450. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111450. Epub 2021 Jun 5. PMID: 34102161; PMCID: PMC8404218.

5. Bailey MT, Kierstein S, Sharma S, Spaits M, Kinsey SG, Tliba O, Amrani Y, Sheridan JF, Panettieri RA, Haczku A. Social stress enhances allergen-induced airway inflammation in mice and inhibits corticosteroid responsiveness of cytokine production. J Immunol. 2009 Jun 15;182(12):7888-96. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0800891. Erratum in: J Immunol. 2009 Sep 1;183(5):3551. Amrani, Yassine [added]. PMID: 19494313; PMCID: PMC2767120.

6. Moieni M, Irwin MR, Jevtic I, Olmstead R, Breen EC, Eisenberger NI. Sex differences in depressive and socioemotional responses to an inflammatory challenge: implications for sex differences in depression. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Jun;40(7):1709-16. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.17. Epub 2015 Jan 19. PMID: 25598426; PMCID: PMC4915253. 

7. Brundin L, Bryleva EY, Thirtamara Rajamani K. Role of Inflammation in Suicide: From Mechanisms to Treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017 Jan;42(1):271-283. doi: 10.1038/npp.2016.116. Epub 2016 Jul 5. PMID: 27377015; PMCID: PMC5143480.

8. Derry HM, Padin AC, Kuo JL, Hughes S, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Sex Differences in Depression: Does Inflammation Play a Role? Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015 Oct;17(10):78. doi: 10.1007/s11920-015-0618-5. PMID: 26272539; PMCID: PMC4869519.