Scientists Link 5,000-Child IL-6 Study to Depression and Anxiety Risk
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 31
Scientists Link 5,000-Child IL-6 Study to Depression and Anxiety Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 31
Summary
A study of nearly 5,000 children found those with above-average IL-6 levels at age 9 were more likely to develop depression by 18, adding fresh evidence that immune activity can shape mental health.
More than 100 cytokines help immune cells communicate, and some affect the brain; researchers say inflammation from illness, obesity or ageing can raise these blood markers and alter how people feel.
Rheumatoid arthritis studies showed cytokine-blocking anti-inflammatory drugs also improved mood, while brain scans suggested blocking those signals changes neural activity.
Adult research also found immune-related diseases correlated with earlier psychiatric diagnoses, including depression and anxiety, but scientists say the evidence is not yet precise enough to guide treatment.