A recent study showed that a large number of people food allergiesChildren suffering from such conditions experience significant psychological distress, along with their caregivers. Despite the widespread emotional impact, only one in five of those affected have been evaluated or received counseling to address them. WorryHighlighting the gap in psychological support for this population. This study was published in the journal Allergy.

The research, conducted by Rebecca Knibb, professor of psychology at Aston University in Birmingham, England, highlights the urgent need for better mental health services for people struggling with food allergies. “Our research highlights a huge unmet need for psychological support for food allergies,” Knibb said.

The most significant concern among both people with food allergies and caregivers is the risk of anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The fear of anaphylaxis from even small amounts of allergen often increases anxiety and stress in daily life.

The study, which included an online survey of more than 1,300 adults with food allergies and more than 1,900 caregivers of children with food allergies from more than 20 countries, revealed the extent of this psychological burden. About 68 percent of adults with food allergies experienced psychological distress associated with their condition, while about 78 percent of caregivers reported similar problems.

While the primary concern for most respondents was the risk of anaphylaxis, the emotional impact extended beyond that. More than half of respondents (54.1 percent) expressed distress about how their food allergies have affected their quality of life. Among caregivers, about 35 percent were worried that their child might face bullying because of their allergies, while 71 percent expressed fear of entrusting their child’s care to others.

Another common concern for caregivers was the belief that other people do not fully understand the seriousness of their child’s condition. More than half (59.7 percent) said they were concerned that people don’t understand the seriousness of their child’s food allergies, despite being given information.

Despite the significant psychological impact of living with food allergies, only 20 percent of affected people or their caregivers had been screened for anxiety or received mental health support. The primary barrier to accessing such services was financial, with many respondents citing the high cost of psychological care as a barrier to help-seeking.

“The cost of support is a significant barrier in all the countries in our survey, and ways of providing free and easily accessible support are needed,” Knibb said in a university news release.

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