Causal relationships between atopic dermatitis and psychiatric disorders: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Abstract

Background Observational studies have suggested the potential associations between atopic dermatitis (AD) and psychiatric disorders. However, the causal relationship between them remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the potential bidirectional causal relationship between AD and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), major depressive disorder (MDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD), anorexia nervosa (AN), Tourette syndrome (TS), schizophrenia, and anxiety. Methods Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to elucidate the causality between AD and psychiatric disorders, using summary statistics from the most comprehensive genome-wide association studies conducted on AD (Ncases = 60,653, Ncontrols = 804,329). Psychiatric disorders were derived from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and were independent of AD data sources. The MR analysis entailed the implementation of multiple methods, including the inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger regression method, weighted median method, simple mode method, and weighted mode method. Results Bidirectional two-sample MR analysis uncovered significant causal associations between AD and severe psychiatric disorders. Specifically, liability to AD was associated with increased risk of ADHD (OR = 1.116; 95% CI: [1.009, 1.234]; P = 0.033) and ASD (OR = 1.131; 95% CI: [1.023, 1.251]; P = 0.016). Additionally, evidence suggested that liability to ADHD (OR = 1.112; 95% CI: [1.094, 1.130]; P = 9.20e-40), liability to AN (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: [1.068, 1.134]; P = 4.45e-10) and liability to BD (OR = 1.067; 95% CI: [1.009, 1.128]; P = 0.023) were associated with an increased risk of AD. Only the causal association between AD and ASD was independent of the reverse effect bias. These causal associations were robust and not affected by biases of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Conclusions Our study emphasizes the significant causal association between AD and an increased risk of ASD, and also identifying BD and AN as risk factors for AD.

Mental illness and pulmonary tuberculosis: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study

“…Other studies have found that depression may increase the susceptibility of women to infertility ( 21 ). Furthermore, some studies have found that atopic dermatitis can increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a potential causal association between the two ( 22 ). However, to our knowledge, no MR studies exploring a genetic causal link between mental illness and TB have been conducted.…”

Do Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Have an Impact on Cognitive Decline—Latest Research Review

“…The symptoms range from mild to acute, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment differs depending on the age, level of education and geographical location [23]. Cao S. et al (2024) emphasized the significant causal association between AD and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder and also identified bipolar disorder and anorexia nervosa as risk factors for atopic dermatitis [24]. Earlier reports have demonstrated a relationship between AD and psoriasis, and cognitive functions [25][26][27].…”