Can Mold Actually Cause Depression?

June 27, 2025

Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S.

Edited by: Anand Mehta, LMFT

Mold exposure has been known to, in some cases, cause depression. Mold is a fungus that grows in damp environments. The mold spores that grow can release biotoxins (mycotoxins, mold toxins), which can be toxic to human beings. Mold growth and mold exposure most commonly impact the respiratory system and immune system, but recent public health studies have proven mold exposure can cause neurological symptoms and psychiatric symptoms like depression.

Recent studies have been conducted in buildings that had water damage or water retention in the drywall, where black mold or toxic mold had grown. When individuals were exposed to black mold (stachybotrys) or toxic mold, mycotoxins were discovered in their urine. In this particular study, the mold-related illness manifested in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.¹Fatigue is also a common symptom of depression.

If you or a loved one are currently struggling with depression and live in a household that has been exposed to mold, you can reach out to a healthcare professional or a mental health professional for treatment. For more information about AMFM’s Mental Health Treatment facilities for depression, click here or call us today.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

If you or a loved one have been exposed to toxic mold, you may be experiencing some of the following symptoms:

General health problems
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
Depressive symptoms
Mood swings
Worsening chronic illness
Neurological symptoms
Respiratory issues
Inflammatory responses
Memory loss

Because the effects of mold exposure can be dangerous, it’s important to let a healthcare professional know immediately if you see mold growth.

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Recent Studies on Mold Exposure and Depression

In recent years, there have been many studies on the symptoms of mold exposure. There is now compelling evidence that mold exposure causes serious multi-system (autoimmune, respiratory, neurological) health problems in humans including peripheral immune activation and behavioral dysregulation.²

In one particular study of mycotoxins (mold toxins) in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, mycotoxins were detected in the urine in a very high percentage of patients with CFS. This is in contrast to a prior study of a healthy, non-water damage building (WDB)-exposed control population. Environmental testing in a subset of these patients confirmed mold and mycotoxin exposure, causing health problems.³
Another study showed that vulnerability to mold toxicity is only present in 25% of the population, who in most cases, have a genetic predisposition which inhibits their clearance of biotoxins.⁴

In other environmental and neurological studies, dampness and mold were associated with depression, independent of individual and housing characteristics.⁵Recent animal studies showed that mold inhalation caused hippocampal immune activation and decreased neurogenesis, altered memory, pain sensitivity, and anxiety-like behavior, and may even affect brain and behavior through innate immune activation.⁶Measures of immune activation correlated with neural and behavioral problems.

Types of Mold and Mycotoxins

The most commonly known form of toxic mold is black mold (Stachybotrys). Black mold tends to grow in damp environments, and can be cleaned (in early stages) with bleach. According to the World Health Organization, there are a variety of toxic molds that can grow in food, or in environments. Ochratoxin A is produced by several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium and is a common food-contaminating mycotoxin; Patulin is another mycotoxin produced by a variety of moulds, particularly Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys.⁷ Mold testing is not recommended by any regulatory body, but if you’re experiencing a mold problem, there are things you can do.

Preventing Mold Growth

If you live in a damp environment, a dehumidifier can help increase indoor air quality to avoid mold growth. Additionally, if you’ve been exposed to mold, antifungals, probiotics and immune supplements may help strengthen your immune system against mold toxicity.

According to the EPA, if you spot visible mold growing, it’s recommended to scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.⁸In the cases of absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles and carpet, it’s recommended to throw them away if they become moldy. You can also look into professionals in mold remediation in your area.

Types of Treatment for Depression

If you are experiencing depression (due to mold exposure or otherwise), AMFM Mental Health Treatment can provide comprehensive programming and therapy to help you overcome your mental health struggles.

Inpatient Treatment for Depression

Inpatient Treatment for Depression refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for those struggling with mental illness usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting wellness.

Outpatient Treatment for Depression

Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.

If you have been struggling with one or more of the depression symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing depression. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.

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Psychiatric Treatment for Depression

There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression and other mental health issues. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice.

Perforated St-John’s Wort is also known as an over-the-counter medication to help treat mild to moderate depression, but can cause side effects, particularly in combination with other medications. If you’re currently on medications for any other medical conditions, it’s important to review any over-the-counter medications and their interactions with a medical professional. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.

Popular Forms of Therapeutic Treatment for Depression

Therapeutic Treatment for depression is always recommended, whether in combination with psychiatric care, or separately from psychiatry. While small lifestyle changes like daily physical activity, regular exercise, and stepping outside into the sunlight when possible are helpful tactics, psychotherapy is highly regarded as the most effective method of mental health care for those struggling with mental disorders.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is a form of “Shock Therapy,” designed for brain stimulation, and only utilized in cases of severe depression. While ECT has historically gotten a bad reputation, when properly administered it can be a useful tool for those who cannot accept psychiatric assistance.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer.

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Citations

Brewer JH, Thrasher JD, Straus DC, Madison RA, Hooper D. Detection of mycotoxins in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Toxins (Basel). 2013 Apr 11;5(4):605-17. doi: 10.3390/toxins5040605. PMID: 23580077; PMCID: PMC3705282.

Cheryl F. Harding, Carolyn L. Pytte, Kimberly G. Page, Kelly J. Ryberg, Edna Normand, Gregory J. Remigio, Richard A. DeStefano, David B. Morris, Julia Voronina, Ariel Lopez, Lauren A. Stalbow, Erin P. Williams, Nohely Abreu, Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, Volume 87, 2020 Pages 218-228, ISSN 0889-1591, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159119303010)

Tsafrir, J. (n.d.). Mold toxicity: A common cause of psychiatric symptoms. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/holistic-psychiatry/201708/mold-toxicity-a-common-cause-of-psychiatric-symptoms

Shenassa ED, Daskalakis C, Liebhaber A, Braubach M, Brown M. Dampness and mold in the home and depression: an examination of mold-related illness and perceived control of one’s home as possible depression pathways. Am J Public Health. 2007 Oct;97(10):1893-9. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2006.093773. Epub 2007 Aug 29. PMID: 17761567; PMCID: PMC1994167.

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mycotoxins. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home#:~:text=Scrub%20mold%20off%20hard%20surfaces,away%20if%20they%20become%20moldy.