The Association Between Anxiety and Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis of 16 Studies

Abstract

This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed 16 studies, involving a total of over 1.4 million participants, to investigate the association between anxiety and autoimmune diseases. The findings revealed a significant association, with individuals experiencing anxiety being 1.28 times more likely to develop autoimmune diseases compared to those without anxiety. The association was found to be stronger in women and individuals with severe anxiety. The study suggests that this association may be due to shared genetic risk factors, the impact of stress on the immune system, and the involvement of inflammation, a common feature of autoimmune diseases. Despite the robust evidence, the study acknowledges limitations such as the use of observational studies and varying study qualities. Future research endeavors should aim to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying the link between anxiety and autoimmune diseases