How to Treat Depression With Allergy Shots

Research suggests there is a link between allergies and depression. Clinical studies reported at BPSMedicine.com found increased incidence of depression in people with environmental allergies. It is possible that depression causes increased vulnerability to allergies by compromising the immune system, but it is also possible that allergens trigger a stress response that includes depression. There is little outcome research, but clinical reports indicate that some people with severe allergies and depression have improvement in their depression when their allergies are treated effectively.

Instructions

Evaluate, Treat and Monitor Your Depression and Allergies

• 1

  Set an appointment with your primary care physician to be evaluated for depression. Before you go to the appointment, do some homework online to refine your self-assessment. For example, Webmd.com has online self-assessment tools that help you determine if your depression is more than normal.

• 2

  Discuss your depression symptoms with your physician. You should get a complete physical to rule out underlying physical conditions that create depression, including primary sleep disorders, adrenal disorders, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory insufficiency, thyroid disorders, menopause, chronic fatigue syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, celiac disease and fibromyalgia. Talk with your physician about situational factors in your life such as marital, family, work or financial problems that might also explain your depressed feelings.

• 3

  Investigate food allergies as a possible contributing factor, especially if you have noted increased allergy or depression symptoms after eating certain foods. Shots and medications are generally not used for food allergies. Eliminating the offending food from the diet is usually the preferred treatment. If you suspect food allergies, talk with your doctor about trying an elimination diet.

• 4

  Talk with your physician about your environmental allergy symptoms, which may include rash, itchiness, watery eyes, congestion and difficulties breathing. Discuss conventional allergy medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, corticosteroids and others. These medications may bring relief.

• 5

  Get a referral from your doctor for an allergist if your allergies are severe, or if you have prohibitive side effects to allergy medication. The allergist will try to determine the source of your allergic responses by administering a series of blood tests, skin tests or other allergic "challenges."

• 6

  Talk with your provider about treatment options if the tests reveal that you have environmental allergies. Treatments can include medications, nutritional and dietary interventions and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves getting a series of shots to increase tolerance to allergens. You would get shots a couple of times a week for several months. You would then be placed on a maintenance program of bimonthly shots that would continue for two to five years.

• 7

  Monitor your depression and allergy symptoms. If your allergies improve and your depression doesn't, then pursue psychotherapy and medication for your depression.