Autoimmune Disorders May Be Created By Stress
Autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can occur when your immune system attacks healthy cells. These diseases are debilitating, and they can affect several organ systems.
Recent research suggests that stress-related disorders may have a connection with the development of autoimmune disease.
Stress Related Disorders
Stress-related disorders go beyond being stressed from work and other daily dramas. These conditions are caused by traumatic or stress-inducing events.
There are many stress-related disorders. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be the most common, but others include acute stress reaction, adjustments disorder and other stress reactions.
These disorders are characterized as having symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance behavior, or feelings of shame. These symptoms can have a negative impact on a person’s daily life, and their quality of living.
Autoimmune diseases and stress disorders
Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found a strong association between stress and autoimmune diseases.
The study included 106 464 patients with stress related disorders, 126 652 of their siblings to compare similar genetic profiles, plus 1,064,640 individuals without stress-related disorder.
The study results showed that a diagnosis of stress-related disorders is significantly associated with a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases. This indicates that stress-related disorders could be a significant risk factor for autoimmune disease.
Other possible causes
The study shows a strong association between stress and autoimmune diseases. However, other factors may also contribute to the association.
Genetics can be a confounding factor, since certain genetic variations increase the risk for both stress-related disorders as well as autoimmune diseases. This study included siblings of people with stress-related disorders. Although this provides a measure of control over genetic factors, it is still not perfect, as other genetic and environmental factors may also be present.
Environmental exposures such as exposures to toxins and certain infections can also lead to stress-related disorders.
Unhealthy stress coping mechanisms are also important to consider. Chronic stress that is severe and persistent can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or substance abuse. This may increase your risk of developing an autoimmune disease. These maladaptive coping strategies can suppress the immune system further and lead to chronic inflammation. They may also potentially lead to an autoimmune disease.
Good News
The findings of this study are notable despite their limitations, as they suggest that the treatment of stress-related disorders could reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Participants treated for stress-related disorders with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) experienced a lower risk of autoimmune diseases.
This insight may have a major impact on those who suffer either from one or both of these conditions.
Consult your doctor if you suffer from a stress disorder or autoimmune disease. There may be treatment options available to you.
