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Seasonal Allergy Blues: Is Mental Health Worse on High Pollen Days?

2023 Standard Research Grant

Amount Awarded: $125,000

Focus Area: Psychosocial

Shooshan Danagoulian, Ph.D.

Shooshan Danagoulian, Ph.D.

Wayne State University

Inside the Research

Seasonal pollen allergies affect millions of Americans each year, reducing sleep and wellbeing. This study will evaluate the relationship between seasonal pollen and mental health and suicidal ideation and behavior. Medicaid and Medicare claims and death certificate data in the United States will be used to compare high pollen days to other days in the same month, year, and county. Findings would quantify the importance of clean air on mental health, particularly in rural areas, aiming to reduce suicide.