Living with an autoimmune disease may almost double a person’s chance of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, according to new research from the University of Edinburgh.
Researchers believe this connection may stem from chronic systemic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases. While earlier studies hinted at a link between inflammation and mental illness, many relied on small participant numbers, limiting their accuracy.
To provide stronger evidence, the team analyzed data from 1.5 million people participating in the UK’s Our Future Health programme. Participants answered detailed questionnaires about their personal, social, and health backgrounds, including any history of autoimmune or psychiatric disorders.
The study focused on six autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease (a thyroid condition), inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. Researchers compared rates of mental health diagnoses, specifically depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
Out of all participants, 37,808 reported having an autoimmune condition. Among these individuals, 29% had been diagnosed with an affective disorder at some point in their lives, compared to just 18% in people without autoimmune diseases.
Depression and anxiety were also notably higher in the autoimmune group, with rates of 25.5% and just over 21%, respectively. In contrast, rates among those without autoimmune conditions were around 15% for depression and 12.5% for anxiety.
Although bipolar disorder was less common overall, it was still nearly twice as prevalent among those with autoimmune diseases—about 1% versus 0.5% in the general population.
The study also found that women with autoimmune diseases experienced mental health disorders more frequently than men—32% versus 21%. The reasons for this difference are not yet clear but may involve factors such as sex hormones, chromosomes, or immune system variations.
Even after accounting for age, income, and family psychiatric history, the risk of mental illness remained significantly higher—between 87% and 97%—for people with autoimmune disorders.
However, the study could not determine whether mental health issues started before, alongside, or after the autoimmune diagnosis, as timing data was not available. Also, direct measures of inflammation were not taken, so researchers could not confirm its exact role.
The researchers suggest that ongoing systemic inflammation may increase the risk of mental health problems. They recommend future studies explore how biological, psychological, and social factors—like chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, or social isolation—might influence this link.
They also advise regular mental health screening for people diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, especially women, to offer early and tailored support.
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