New-Onset Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder in People With Human Papillomavirus Diagnosis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common DNA virus known for its physical health implications, may also play a role in psychiatric conditions, though this link is not well understood. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX research network to examine the relationship between HPV and three major psychiatric disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), schizphrenia and bipolar disorder (BD). Adults (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with HPV were 1:1 propensity score–matched to individuals without HPV based on demographics, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Using ICD-10-CM codes, we identified new diagnoses of MDD and BD. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and Kaplan–Meier analyses assessed cumulative incidence. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our findings. We found that HPV diagnosis was significantly associated with increased risks of MDD (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.25–1.31) and BD (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.26–1.37), whereas the association with schizophrenia was not significant (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.97–1.18). These associations were stronger among females, younger adults, and individuals with sleep disorders. Our results suggest that HPV diagnosis is associated with increased psychiatric vulnerability. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings in different populations and clarify underlying mechanisms.