Measuring stress levels in saliva

The transmission of oral bacteria could encourage depression and anxiety symptoms in newly married couples.

In a study published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, researchers examined the outcomes of 268 newly married couples who completed standardized assessments. They collected oral swabs and saliva samples from a group of participants in which one partner reported symptoms of insomnia, depression and anxiety as well as a second group of controls.

After a follow-up of six months, the partners married to those with depression and anxiety symptoms exhibited increased depression and anxiety scores as well as poorer quality sleep. Further, the saliva samples showed elevated cortisol levels and an increased prevalence of pathogenic oral bacteria among the healthy partners.

The findings indicated that close physical contact could allow for the transmission of bacteria that may influence emotional and physical health.

Read more: Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine

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