IMPORTANCE Psychiatric reactions to life stressors are common in the general population and may result in immune dysfunction. Whether such reactions contribute to the risk of autoimmune disease remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is an association between stress-related disorders and subsequent autoimmune disease.

IMPORTANCE Psychiatric reactions to life stressors are common in the general population and may result in immune dysfunction. Whether such reactions contribute to the risk of autoimmune disease remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is an association between stress-related disorders and subsequent autoimmune disease.