How kissing can actually spread depression and anxiety:

Baby has bac!

We all know that kissing and other close contact can spread infections like the common cold, mononucleosis, and herpes.

Depression and anxiety may also be transmitted through kissing, a new study in Iran suggests.

Depression and anxiety trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which destroys the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth.

The spouse can transfer the bacteria at the same time – In fact, previous studies have found that only 10 seconds of kiss transfers up to 80 million bacteria.

The authors of the new study found that when a spouse has mental health and lack of sleep, healthy partners experience similar symptoms in just six months. The bacteria should be blamed.

“Specifically, in a couple who have a partner [depression/anxiety]the oral flora of healthy spouses reflects the flora of affected partners. ” the researchers wrote in the exploratory study and hypotheses in the Journal of Medicine.

The team follows 268 newly married Iranian couples. A group of honeymooners reported that at the beginning of the study, their spouses struggled with depression, anxiety and sleep problems while they were in health.

Participants completed surveys about their mental health and provided saliva samples for cortisol measurements and oral bacterial swabs for DNA analysis.

The researchers reported that after six months, healthy spouses, especially women, have significantly increased depression, anxiety and sleep difficulties. These symptoms are not as strong as their partner.

In the sample, four types of bacteria – Clostridium, Veillonella, Bacillus and lachnospileceae – were relatively abundant. Some species of these bacteria may be harmful to health.

The researchers acknowledged several limitations of the study, including the lack of consideration of potential health issues and dietary factors that may affect oral bacteria.

They suggest exploring whether bacteria play a role in other mental and brain-related diseases.

Therapists and researchers have long recognized that a person’s mental health struggles can have a “ripple effect” on loved ones. The new study shows that this effect is partially promoted by harmful oral bacteria.

Research has identified ways other couples can sync. Their heart rate, sleep patterns, and even stress and reproductive hormones synchronize over time.