Boys exposed prenatally to a common chemical used in plastics may be more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression at age 10-12. The new study by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) within the Mailman School of Public Health examined early life exposure to the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA). Results are published in the journal Environmental Research.
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anxiety. Show all posts
Toxoplasma gondii and anxiety disorders in a community-based sample
A growing body of literature suggests that exposure to the neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is associated with increased risk of mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia. However, a potential association between T. gondii exposure and anxiety disorders has not been rigorously explored. Here, we examine the association of T. gondii infection with both anxiety and mood disorders. Participants (n = 484) were drawn from the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study, a
population-representative sample of Detroit residents. Logistic
regression was used to examine the associations between T. gondii
exposure (defined by seropositivity and IgG antibody levels) and three
mental disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. We found that T. gondii
seropositivity was associated with a 2 times greater odds of GAD (odds
ratio (OR), 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–4.53) after
adjusting for age, gender, race, income, marital status, and medication.
Individuals in the highest antibody level category had more than 3
times higher odds of GAD (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.41–7.97). Neither T. gondii seropositivity nor IgG antibody levels was significantly associated with PTSD or depression. Our findings indicate that T. gondii infection is strongly and significantly associated with GAD. While prospective confirmation is needed, T. gondii infection may play a role in the development of GAD.
population-representative sample of Detroit residents. Logistic
regression was used to examine the associations between T. gondii
exposure (defined by seropositivity and IgG antibody levels) and three
mental disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. We found that T. gondii
seropositivity was associated with a 2 times greater odds of GAD (odds
ratio (OR), 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–4.53) after
adjusting for age, gender, race, income, marital status, and medication.
Individuals in the highest antibody level category had more than 3
times higher odds of GAD (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.41–7.97). Neither T. gondii seropositivity nor IgG antibody levels was significantly associated with PTSD or depression. Our findings indicate that T. gondii infection is strongly and significantly associated with GAD. While prospective confirmation is needed, T. gondii infection may play a role in the development of GAD.
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