Association of seropositivity for influenza and coronaviruses with history of mood disorders and suicide attempts

Olaoluwa Okusaga, Robert H. Yolken, Patricia Langenberg, Manana Lapidus, Timothy A. Arling, Faith B. Dickerson, Debra A. Scrandis, Emily Severance, Johanna A. Cabassa, Theodora Balis, Teodor T. Postolache

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Anecdotal reports of mood disorder following infection with common respiratory viruses with neurotropic potential have been in existence since the last century. Nevertheless, systematic studies on the association between these viruses and mood disorders are lacking. Methods: Influenza A, B and coronavirus antibody titers were measured in 257 subjects with recurrent unipolar and bipolar disorder and healthy controls, by SCID. Pearson's χ2 tests and logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between seropositivity for coronaviruses, influenza A and B viruses and the following: a) history of recurrent mood disorders b) having attempted suicide in the past c) uni- vs. bi-polarity and d) presence of psychotic symptoms during mood episodes. Results: Seropositivity for influenza A (p = 0.004), B (p < 0.0001) and coronaviruses (p < 0.0001) were associated with history of mood disorders but not with the specific diagnosis of unipolar or bipolar depression. Seropositivity for influenza B was significantly associated with a history of suicide attempt (p =0.001) and history of psychotic symptoms (p =0.005). Limitations: The design was cross-sectional. Socioeconomic factors, inflammatory markers, and axis II psychopathology were not assessed. Conclusions: The association of seropositivity for influenza and coronaviruses with a history of mood disorders, and influenza B with suicidal behavior require replication in larger longitudinal samples. The need for these studies is additionally supported by the high incidence of these viral infections, the high prevalence of mood disorders, and resilience of suicide epidemics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)220-225
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
Volume130
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011

Keywords

  • Coronaviruses
  • Influenza A and B
  • Mood disorders
  • Suicide attempts

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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