This is the first UK study to explore the association between a range of atopic disorders and mental health outcomes in a large, representative population.
Researchers have found that individuals with allergic and atopic disorders - such as food allergies, drug allergies, anaphylaxis, urticaria, and allergic rhinitis - face a significantly higher risk of developing mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Published in BMJ Open, the large-scale retrospective cohort study analysed data from 2.5 million patients using primary care records dated between January 1995 and January 2022.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham, in collaboration with Aston University, and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, found that people with atopic disorders or allergies within the sample were 16% more likely to be at risk of developing mental illnesses or disorders compared to those without such conditions.
Other key findings include:
Despite the growing evidence linking allergies to an increased likelihood of facing mental health challenges, psychological support remains largely absent from allergy care pathways.
“As there is already a strong evidence base for asthma and atopic dermatitis, we focused our analysis on food allergy, drug allergy, anaphylaxis, urticaria, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis.
“Previous research within the field has consistently indicated a strong association between conditions such as food allergies and anxiety, which is supported by our findings that indicated a 15% increase in anxiety for those with such allergies. We also found that other conditions such as drug allergy, urticaria, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and particularly anaphylaxis have a detrimental effect on mental health.
“This highlights a significant - and often under-recognised - burden of mental illness among people with allergies and atopic disorders, which is exacerbated by a lack of any mental health assessments or referral systems."
A recent global survey cited in the study also found that while over 80% of UK adults and parents of children with food allergies reported psychological distress, fewer than 25% had been assessed for it, and only 40% of those who needed help had seen a mental health professional.
As well as advocating for healthcare providers to consider routine mental health screening for patients with allergic disorders and to develop pathways for timely psychological support, the study recommends further research into the biological and psychosocial mechanisms linking allergies and mental health.
Professor Joht Singh Chandan, Clinical Professor of Public Health at the University of Birmingham, added:
“Despite the growing evidence linking allergies to an increased likelihood of facing mental health challenges, psychological support remains mostly absent from allergy care pathways for patients.
“Our main recommendation is that clinicians should look to offer a more holistic, integrated approach to treating the physical symptoms alongside providing wellbeing and emotional support for those in need, in a timely manner.”
For media enquiries please contact Holly Young, Press Office, University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0)7815 607 157.
Hon Associate Professor in Health Economics
Staff profile for Dr Lavanya Diwakar Hon Associate Professor in Health Economics
Clinical Professor of Public Health
Professor Chandan is a Clinical Professor of Public Health, based in the Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK.
