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Study Reveals Couples Often Share Mental Health Issues

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Research in *Nature Human Behavior* indicates couples often share mental health diagnoses, contradicting the notion that opposites attract.
The study examined data from over five million couples in Denmark, Sweden, and Taiwan between 1930 and 1990.
Findings reveal strong correlations in anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder among spouses across cultures.
The prevalence of shared diagnoses, especially substance use disorder, has risen over decades.
Researchers propose that shared experiences or cohabitation may enhance similarities over time.

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Story summary

Research in *Nature Human Behavior* indicates couples often share mental health diagnoses, contradicting the notion that opposites attract.
The study examined data from over five million couples in Denmark, Sweden, and Taiwan between 1930 and 1990.
Findings reveal strong correlations in anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder among spouses across cultures.
The prevalence of shared diagnoses, especially substance use disorder, has risen over decades.
Researchers propose that shared experiences or cohabitation may enhance similarities over time.