Living in high altitude areas, such as in the US intermountain states, could be even more dangerous than scientists first thought. There’s been a rise in suicide rates and depression among residents and scientists are trying desperately to get to the bottom of it.





One of the reasons as to why this may be happening may be because of blood oxygen levels due to low atmospheric pressures. This is described in the article published by Brent Michael Kious, MD, Ph.D., of the University of Utah, and colleagues. The evidence gathered as part of the study may help in developing new treatments in which to reduce the effects of low blood oxygen in regards to mood and suicidal thoughts.

During the study previous evidence linking high altitudes, depression, and increased suicide rates were analyzed and reviewed. Here’s what Dr. Kious and others had to say about the results: “There are significant regional variations in the rates of major depressive disorder and suicide in the United States, suggesting that sociodemographic and environmental conditions contribute.”





A total of 12 studies were looked into, most of which had been conducted in the United States. Nearly all 12 reported higher altitude areas as having higher rates of depression and suicide. Those states experiencing the highest suicide rates were: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The study also revealed that suicide rates increase considerably for those living at altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 feet.

Another worrying statistic was the fact that there was a strong link between suicide and firearm ownership. Other contributing factors associated with higher rates of suicide were lower income, increased poverty rate, and smaller ratios of divorced and white women among the population.





So, what’s the reasoning behind the increased suicide rates in these intermountain states? Dr. Kious and colleagues suggest that it may be because of “chronic hypobaric hypoxia”. This is essentially low blood pressure linked to low atmospheric pressure. The researchers concluded that hypobaric hypoxia may increase the risk of suicide and depression by changing the metabolism of serotonin and/or through the way it affects the brain’s bioenergetics.

More News to Read

Comments

comments