Several reports indicate that asthma and depression co-occur(1). The association has been reported in countries with different social and cultural histories (2) suggesting a true association between these two conditions. In addition, some studies report a higher rate of suicide or suicide-related behaviours among asthma patients(3). Several pathways that include both directions of association (asthma leading to depression or depression leading to asthma) or common aetiological process that would increase the risk of both conditions have been proposed.

AIM. To determine whether there is an association between asthma/allergy and depression/anxiety/self-harm.

Specific objectives are:

1.Establish whether there is a cross-sectional association between asthma/atopy and depression/anxiety self-harm in children and adolescents.

2.Establish whether children with asthma/atopy have higher risk of developing depression/anxiety self-harm (prospective).

3.Establish whether cross-sectional and prospective associations between asthma and depression vary by gender.

4.Determine the pathways underpinning an association between asthma (and/or atopy) and depression (anxiety/self-harm).