A recent study highlights a significant increase in psychological referrals for children with food allergies, revealing a more than 50% rise in 2023 compared to the previous four years. The findings will be presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston.
Dr. Andriana La Mantia, the study's lead author, stated, "Nuestro centro ha dedicado importantes recursos a abordar el apoyo psicosocial que necesitan muchas familias que tienen niños con alergias alimentarias." The research aimed to characterize the use of psychological services for anxiety related to food allergies.
The study involved a retrospective review of outpatient pediatric psychology referrals from 2013 to 2023 due to food allergies and related conditions. It included data on demographics, medical history concerning food allergies, and the number of psychology appointments attended within this period.
A total of 250 patients participated in the study. Of these, 88% were referred for issues related to food allergies, with an average of 2.1 allergens per patient. More than half had documented prior anaphylaxis. Anxiety related to food was present in 69% of patients, while 12% experienced quality-of-life impairments that led to their referrals. Sixty percent of those referred completed at least one appointment, averaging 5.5 follow-up visits over the next year.
Allergist Dr. David Stukus commented on the situation: "Los pacientes con alergia alimentaria, especialmente los niños, a menudo sufren ansiedad relacionada con una posible ingestión accidental y anafilaxia." He emphasized expanding psychological services as crucial for helping families manage both normal life and allergy concerns.
The ACAAI meeting will take place from October 24-28. More information about food allergies is available at AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.
