Anaphylaxis connected to anxiety in adults, study reveals
Adults who suffer from food-induced anaphylaxis are more likely to suffer from clinical anxiety disorders, according to a new CQUniversity NeuroHealth Lab study.
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) student Anne-Maree Scott – a sufferer of anaphylaxis herself – discovered the correlation between the two conditions as part of her final research project.
The study showed the majority of participants (78.57 per cent) had a clinically significant anxiety level of moderate to severe, scoring 10 or more on the GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) questionnaire.
The research focused on both airborne food-induced anaphylaxis and non-airborne food-induced anaphylaxis with the airborne variety reporting more impact on sufferers.
“This is the first time a study has revealed such a strong correlation between anaphylaxis and anxiety and it has highlighted the impact the condition has on sufferer’s psychological wellbeing,” explained Ms Scott.
To date, research associated with adult anaphylaxis has been limited, with the majority of studies centred on paediatric anaphylaxis.
“There are also no known studies exploring self-compassion and adult anaphylaxis at the time this study was conducted.
“Previous research had predicted the negative impact anxiety would have on adult life, however this study provided insight into the level of impact food-induced anaphylaxis and anxiety had on adult life.
“The study has provided a novel and preliminary insight into the self-reported negative impact of anaphylaxis and provides an insight into the role of self-compassion and anxiety in the experience of both airborne food induced and non-airborne food-induced anaphylaxis.”
Ms Scott said her study highlights the need for psychological support for adult sufferers of anaphylaxis and the need for further research into allergy counselling.
“I would like to see mental health plans utilising psychological services added to existing anaphylactic care plans, especially for adults,” she explained.
“The level of support available to adults with anaphylactic conditions is currently substantially lower than for children suffering from the same condition.
“Providing a mental health plan for adults would provide support for adults who experience anxiety and stress through the development of coping strategies.
“It would also assist adult sufferers to understand their life-threatening condition better and to assist with minimising risk in their various environments.”
Head of CQUniversity’s NeuroHealth Lab, Psychology Professor Talitha Best said Anne-Maree’s research had provided much needed insight into the experience of adults with anaphylaxis.
“Her applied research is important for understanding how health conditions affect not just the body, but also mind and mental health, and the role of self-compassion in handling difficult experiences.
“It is great to have research findings coming out of the NeuroHealth Lab and Psychology Honours program and we look forward to further research and supports for adults with anaphylaxis being developed in this area.”
Ms Scott’s journey with anaphylaxis began when she developed the condition as an adult in 2014 – since then it’s been a tough road of discovery.
“Due to my condition, I have missed out on promotions and careers and been shelved in the ‘too hard basket’,” she explained.
“I believe this is because anaphylaxis is an unknown and highly misunderstood condition, however the numbers of diagnoses are increasing each year and we owe it to all suffers of this condition to have an understanding so we can support and encourage those with the condition.”
Ms Scott her daughter has also recently been diagnosed at the age of 18.
“It is a difficult journey at the start, especially when the triggers are unknown. Her journey has just begun but I am here to help her through it.”
Ms Scott is currently employed as a Correctional Counseller with Capricornia Correctional Centre and will graduate from the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program this week at the Rockhampton graduation ceremony.
She hopes to enter CQUniversity’s Masters of Clinical Psychology program to become a clinical psychologist to continue her work with sufferers of chronic and life-threatening conditions.
More than 600 students will graduate in Rockhampton this week at two separate ceremonies.
