Psychiatrists Link Air Pollution and Asthma to Suicide, Dr. Wayne Katon Explains

Dr. Wayne Katon

Taiwanese researchers have found a connection between youth suicide cases that were suffering from asthma, a common condition among children.

Dr. Wayne Katon, a psychiatrist at the University of Washington in Seattle confirms that air pollution has more physician repercussions than we may have imagined.

“It points out another negative part of air pollution,” said Dr. Wayne Katon. “In a way, suicide is a proxy for a bad effect on the whole society.” (foxnews.com)

Now that quality of air can be tested and measured, the connection is more clear that was thought of previously.  Air pollution does not only imply smoke or gas emissions, it also includes the slightest dust and metal particles that irritate and worsen asthma.

Dr. Wayne Katon suggests that while the immune system is low, it affects the entire body and mind included.

As in the published study in the American Journal of Psychiatry, highlighting the need to treat body and mind as a whole, noting that psychological problems often go hand in hand with bad physical health.

All patients with chronic illness should be screened for depressive symptoms.

One possibility is that worsening physical health might push vulnerable people over the edge, especially if they already have chronic disease.   (foxnews.com)

According to Vitals.com, Dr. Wayne Katon is a board-certified Psychiatrist who is highly published. He completed his medical degree at one of the highest ranked medical schools, Oregon Health & Science University in 1976.

See more information about Dr. Wayne Katon

toxic pollution linked to suicides (cnn)

Last updated by Margarita at July 16, 2010.

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