Autoimmune Disorders and Mental Health

Poor physical health isn’t just a bodily concern. When we face chronic pain and physical ailments, we can often experience mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Poor mental health doesn’t just affect the mind, either. A lack of self-care, increased stress, and mental illnesses often correlate with physical disorders and discomfort. It’s all connected. Despite this mind-body correlation, physical and mental health conditions are often treated and analyzed separately. However, research shows our mind-body connection is strong, especially regarding autoimmune disorders and mental health.

What are Autoimmune Disorders?

Autoimmune disorders are chronic illnesses that occur when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue mistakenly. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), autoimmune disorders affect approximately 50 million Americans. Some common autoimmune diseases include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Crohn’s disease
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Type I diabetes
Multiple sclerosis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Other musculoskeletal and skin diseases

The symptoms of autoimmune disorders vary depending on the specific condition. However, they often include fatigue, joint pain and inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues. Many autoimmune diseases also correlates with psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Autoimmune diseases can often take a toll on a person’s mental health. On top of physical pain, individuals can battle feelings of sadness, isolation, and frustration. As a result, many individuals with autoimmune disorders are combining their medical treatment with mental health therapy for holistic support.

Mind-Body Correlation Between Autoimmune Disease and Mental Health

Research reveals a significant correlation between autoimmune diseases and mental health, particularly in those who’ve experienced childhood trauma: Childhood Stress and Autoimmune Disorders in Adults In one study, researchers followed up with adults affected by physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood. Compared with adults without this trauma, individuals who reported 2+ traumatic events during childhood were 70% more likely to be hospitalized for autoimmune disorders. This correlation between childhood trauma and autoimmune diseases in adults aligns with research revealing the impact childhood stress can have on the body’s inflammatory response.

Trauma and Autoimmune Diseases

Another study was performed to find a correlation between childhood trauma and the risk of physical illnesses during adulthood. Researchers found an association between physical abuse and the risk of lung disease, peptic ulcers, and arthritis; sexual abuse with risk of cardiac disease; and childhood neglect with diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

Stress-Related Disorders and Autoimmune Disorders

A 2018 study analyzed over 100,000 patients with stress-related disorders to find a correlation between autoimmune diseases and trauma such as loss, disasters, and violence. As a result, they found a significant association between stress-related disorders and the risk of autoimmune disease.

Mind-Body Treatment for Medical Conditions

Autoimmune disorders can affect our physical and mental health. Understanding the mind-body connection can open up more holistic treatment opportunities and provide deeper support for individuals who are suffering. In addition to medical treatment, mental health therapy can empower comprehensive results for patients. Whether working through the pains of the past or present, therapy can help support positive mind-body wellness. As we seek to treat autoimmune disorders and mental health, we can find newfound support, results, and healing.