Previous studies have linked clean homes to weak immune systems.

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A growing obsession with cleanliness could be making people depressed, according to scientists, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Researchers found that cleaner homes and offices are leaving lower levels of dirt and bacteria that could lead to weaker immune systems and, in turn, brain function being impaired.

The latest study, from Atlanta, suggested that weaker immune systems tend to overreact to dust and dirt in the form of inflammations or allergies that can slow the brain's production of "happy" chemicals such as serotonin and cause depression.

The scientists said the rates of depression are far higher in the developed world than in poorer parts of the planet. （点击英国《每日电讯报》查看原文）

过度清洁恐导致抑郁

       英国《每日电讯报》报道，科学家研究表明，过于讲究清洁的环境可能会使人抑郁。

       研究者发现家和办公室越干净，灰尘和细菌也就越少，这可能导致人的免疫系统更脆弱而反过来损害脑功能。

       来自亚特兰大的最新研究表明，脆弱的免疫系统容易对灰尘过度反应，表现为发炎或过敏，而这会降低大脑里“快乐”因子（比如：血清素）的产生，从而引起抑郁。

       科学家表示，发达国家的抑郁发生率远高于贫穷的国家。

(China.org.cn April 20, 2011)