Factors accounting for the association between anxiety and depression, and eczema: the Hordaland health study (HUSK).
BACKGROUND
The association between anxiety and depression, and eczema is well known in the literature, but factors underlying this association remain unclear. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and female gender have been found to be associated with both depression and eczema. Somatization and health anxiety are known to be associated with anxiety and depression, further, somatization symptoms and health anxiety have also been found in several dermatological conditions. Accordingly, omega-3 fatty acid supplement, female gender, somatization and health anxiety are possible contributing factors in the association between anxiety and depression, and eczema. The aim of the study is to examine the relevance of proposed contributing factors for the association between anxiety and depression, and eczema, including, omega-3 fatty acid supplement, female gender, health anxiety and somatization.


METHODS
Anxiety and depression was measured in the general population (n = 15715) employing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Information on eczema, female gender, omega-3 fatty acid supplement, health anxiety and somatization was obtained by self-report.


RESULTS
Somatization and health anxiety accounted for more than half of the association between anxiety/depression, and eczema, while the other factors examined were of minor relevance for the association of interest.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no support for female gender and omega-3 fatty acid supplement as contributing factors in the association between anxiety/depression, and eczema. Somatization and health anxiety accounted for about half of the association between anxiety/depression, and eczema, somatization contributed most. The association between anxiety/depression, and eczema was insignificant after adjustment for somatization and health anxiety. Biological mechanisms underlying the mediating effect of somatization are yet to be revealed.
Klokk
Marianne
M
Department of Adult Psychiatry, Aalesund Hospital, Helse Sunnmore HF, N-6026 Aalesund, Norway. ma-klokk@online.no
Gotestam
Karl Gunnar
KG
Mykletun
Arnstein
A
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D004485:Eczema / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000209:etiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3