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When Food Allergies Cause Anxiety in Your Child - Psychology Today
Kids with food allergies are at risk of developing anxiety.
Food allergies affect up to 6-8% of children and 3-4% of adults, and data shows that prevalence has increased 18% among children under age 18 years. Despite the increased attention and research in food allergy, and some promising early studies of allergist-supervised gradual exposures, a cure has been elusive and avoidance of the offending food remains the primary recommendation. Besides the risk of fatality and health care costs, food allergies have a profound effect on quality of life. Food allergic individuals and their caretakers must be aware of the risk of hidden allergens or cross-contamination at every meal and frequently special provisions must be made for these individuals. While often essential, this hypervigilance of food ingredients often have the unintended consequence of developing or increasing anxiety in the child with food allergy and their parents.
Kids with food allergies are at risk of developing anxiety.
Food allergies affect up to 6-8% of children and 3-4% of adults, and data shows that prevalence has increased 18% among children under age 18 years. Despite the increased attention and research in food allergy, and some promising early studies of allergist-supervised gradual exposures, a cure has been elusive and avoidance of the offending food remains the primary recommendation. Besides the risk of fatality and health care costs, food allergies have a profound effect on quality of life. Food allergic individuals and their caretakers must be aware of the risk of hidden allergens or cross-contamination at every meal and frequently special provisions must be made for these individuals. While often essential, this hypervigilance of food ingredients often have the unintended consequence of developing or increasing anxiety in the child with food allergy and their parents.