As kissing can actually spread depression and anxiety: study

Baby got bac!

We all know that kissing and other close contact can transmit infections such as common cold, mononucleosis and herpes.

A new study by Iran suggests that depression and anxiety can also be transmitted through kisses.

Depression and anxiety can cause the stress hormone cortisol to release, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth.

Spouses can transfer this bacteria while softening-in fact, preliminary research found that about 80 million bacteria are transferred to just one 10-second kiss.

The authors of the new study found that when a spouse had poor mental health and problems to sleep, a healthy partner suffered similar symptoms after only six months. The bacteria were to blame.

“Specifically, in pairs where there was a partner [depression/anxiety]The oral microbiot of the healthy spouse reflected that of the affected partner, ”the researchers writes in research and exploratory hypothesis in medicine.

The team attended 268 newlywed Iranian couples. A honeymoon group reported to fight depression, anxiety and sleep problems while their spouses were healthy at the beginning of the study.

Participants completed surveys on their mental health and provided salivary samples for cortisol measurement and oral bacteria pushes for DNA analysis.

Researchers reported that healthy spouses, especially women, had significant growth in depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping after six months. These symptoms were not as intense as their partners.

Four types of bacteria – Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus and Lachnospiraceae – were relatively abundant in samples. Some types of these bacteria can be harmful to health.

Researchers accepted some restrictions in the study, including non -consideration of basic health issues and dietary factors that may affect oral bacteria.

They suggest exploring if bacteria play a role in other mental and brain -related conditions.

Therapists and researchers have long known that a person’s mental health wars can have a “wild effect” for loved ones. This new study suggests that this impact is partially nourished by harmful oral bacteria.

Studies have identified other ways that couples may be in sync. Their heart rates, sleep patterns and even their stress and reproductive hormones can be synchronized over time.